Aggressive animals and attacks
Learn how to report a dog attack, recognise and prevent aggressive behaviour and understand the requirements for dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000. Once everyone is safe, report the incident to Council as soon as possible.
After an attack
- move to a safe place
- seek medical or veterinary treatment
- report the incident to Council as soon as possible
- record the location, time, dog description and owner’s details, if known
Dog attacks should be reported whether they occur in a public place or on private property. The NSW Office of Local Government defines an attack broadly enough to include rushing, chasing, harassing, biting or attacking a person or animal, even when no injury occurs.
Recognising aggressive behaviour
Dogs may show signs of discomfort, fear or aggression before an incident. These can include:
- stiff or tense body posture
- growling, snarling or showing teeth
- raised fur along the back
- fixed staring or avoiding eye contact
- ears held flat or forward
- a rigid, raised or tucked tail
- lunging, snapping or blocking access
Not every dog displays the same warning signs. Give an unfamiliar or distressed dog space and do not attempt to touch or restrain it.
Reducing the risk of an attack
Dog owners and people responsible for a dog should:
- supervise dogs around children and unfamiliar people
- keep the dog securely contained at home
- use a suitable lead in public unless in a designated off-leash area
- prevent the dog from rushing at fences, gates or passers-by
- address signs of fear, anxiety or aggression early
- seek advice from a veterinarian or suitably qualified behaviour professional
- ensure visitors and tradespeople can safely enter the property
Dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs
A council may declare a dog dangerous if it has attacked or killed a person or animal without provocation or repeatedly threatened to attack or chase a person or animal.
Owners must comply with specific identification, enclosure, restraint, notification, registration and annual permit requirements.
A council may declare a dog menacing if it has displayed unreasonable aggression or attacked a person or animal without causing serious injury or death.
Menacing dogs are subject to control requirements but do not currently require an annual permit.
Restricted dogs include breeds specified under NSW law and dogs declared by a council to be restricted.
Owners must comply with registration, annual permit, enclosure, identification, restraint and notification requirements. Restrictions also apply to selling, advertising, giving away or transferring these dogs.
Control requirements vary depending on a dog’s classification. Owners must comply with the conditions applying to their dog.
Contact Council Rangers
Contact Council to report a dog attack, threatening behaviour or concerns about an aggressive dog.
