You, Your Dog & the Law
Be a Responsible Dog owner.
The Victorian Government Agriculture website covers all aspects of pet ownership in Victoria.
It contains an outline of the Victorian legislation affecting dog ownership and dangerous dog laws and answers many questions owners might have.
Responsible Dog Ownership Course
The Responsible Dog Ownership Course is designed to give you some basic information about your legal responsibilities as a dog owner. Take the course here
Dog Attacks, Dangerous and Menacing Dogs
All owners should read and understand the current laws and definitions, and the requirements if your dog is declared Dangerous or Menacing by the local Council.
Menacing dog: a dog that the Council has declared Menacing due to it rushing or chasing a person, or causing a non serious bite injury to a person or animal. “Rush at” means that the dog has approached a person within 3 metres in a menacing manner, this includes displaying aggressive behaviour such as snarling, growling and raising the hackles.
Dog Owners Legal Requirements
Legal Requirements for Dog Owners
Registration and Microchipping
All dogs must be registered with your local Council.
All dogs must be microchipped. This means that if your dog is lost or escapes (say in a thunderstorm or fireworks) then you can be contacted and they can be returned to you. Make sure your contact details with the microchip registration, such as Central Animal Records (different to council registration) is ALWAYS up to date.
Read all the information here
Domestic Animal Legislation
Read the current recently updated legislation
Victorian Breeding Legislation
Breeders are encouraged to please read the article on Reckless Breeding Legislation that the Victorian Government has introduced
Legal Action
You can find some helpful information on the Victoria Legal Aid website, which details some of the common offences, the legal actions and the ramifications for an owner.
Dog LAWS – The Domestic Animal Act
A basic understanding of current Dog laws is important. The documents below provide the complete laws. Note: laws are continually updated, ensure that you always use the most recent edition! These are the websites to visit. https://agriculture.vic.gov.au and www.legislation.vic.gov.au
Domestic Animals Act
Vic Domestic Animals Regulations
Things you should know about Dangerous dogs 2017