A Dangerous Dog declaration is a formal legal status with specific ongoing requirements. This page explains when a dog can be declared dangerous, what the owner must do, and what the declaration means for the wider community.
If you’ve just witnessed or been involved in a dog attack, see Dog Attacks for immediate reporting steps.
When a dog may be declared dangerous
Under the Dog Control Act 2000 and Dog Control Regulations 2021, a dog may be declared dangerous if:
- It has caused serious injury to a person or another animal, or
- Council has reasonable cause to believe it is likely to cause serious injury.
If your dog is declared dangerous, you’ll receive a formal notice setting out the reasons for the declaration and your right of appeal.
Dogs declared dangerous in another state or territory are automatically recognised as dangerous in Tasmania.
Control requirements in public
When in a public place, a declared dangerous dog must:
- Be handled by someone 18 years or older
- Wear a muzzle that prevents biting
- Wear an approved red and yellow fluorescent striped collar
- Be on a lead no longer than 2 metres and held securely, or properly restrained in a vehicle
- Be microchipped
At home
Enclosure
Dangerous dogs must be kept in a compliant enclosure when not in a public place.
- Contact Council before construction to confirm whether building or planning approval is needed
- Council may detain the dog until an approved enclosure is built
Warning signs
Warning signs must be displayed at all entrances to the property where a declared dangerous dog is kept.
Selling, transferring or rehoming
A declared dangerous dog can only be sold or transferred with prior Council approval. The declaration follows the dog, not the owner — the new owner takes on all the same legal obligations.
Seizure and investigation
Authorised officers may seize and detain any dog reasonably believed to have been involved in an attack or offence.
- Seized dogs are held at the Huon Valley Council Dog Pound during the investigation
- Owners are advised of the process and may be asked to provide statements
- Depending on the outcome, owners may receive formal notices (including a Dangerous Dog declaration)
Right of appeal
If your dog has been declared dangerous, the notice you receive will set out your right of appeal and how to exercise it. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the declaration, contact Council on (03) 6264 0300.
Legislative reference
For the full legal requirements, refer to:
- Dog Control Act 2000 — Part 3: Control of Dogs
- Dog Control Regulations 2021