Under the NSW Companion Animal Act 1998, if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal, it is deemed a dog attack.

All dog owners are responsible for ensuring their dog is always under effective control and does not harm or threaten any person or animal. Dog owners are legally responsible for dog attacks by any dogs they are in charge of under the Act. Under no circumstances should a dog be encouraged to attack. Dog owners are liable for any damage or injury caused to a person or animal by their dog. For more information visit Legal responsibilities for dog owners.

If your dog attacks any person or animal you may be liable to prosecution by the Courts. The penalties for dog attacks start at $1,320.00 but can also include imprisonment for up to five years and penalties up to $77,000.00. In certain circumstances, a Council officer may seize a dog that has attacked and hold it during the investigation.

If you or your animal are the victim of a dog attack, or you witness an attack it is important to gather as much information as possible about the incident to provide Council. This can include the:

• Date.

• Time.

• Location.

• Details of the incident.

• Photos of the attacking dog.

• Owner or car registration details.

• Photos of any injuries.

• Medical reports.

• Details of any witnesses.

Council requires a statement to be provided from the victim of the attack in order to take relevant action against the dog owner.

Council may declare a dog that has attacked a nuisance, menacing or dangerous dog depending on the outcome of the investigation. If Council determines the evidence submitted is not adequate and does not prove beyond reasonable doubt that a dog attack occurred, then no further action will be taken. 
 

Reporting to Council

If you or your animal are a victim of a dog attack, or you witness an attack you must report the incident to Council as soon as possible. A dog attack that is reported within 72 hours provides Council more powers to act and protect the community from the dog involved.

A Council Ranger will follow up any complaints within 24 hours of receiving the report. Council takes all reported dog attack matters seriously and conducts a thorough investigation.

To report a dog attack you can contact us or log a request to Council’s Rangers using Log it/Fix it.

See Office of Local Government NSW Dog Attack Reporting for further information.