Dog Attacks

Dog attacks are serious. Whether you’re the victim, a witness, or a dog owner worried about your dog’s behaviour, this page explains what to do and how Council responds.

If your dog has been declared dangerous, or you want to know what rules apply to a dangerous dog in your area, see Dangerous Dogs.

If you’ve been attacked or witnessed an attack

1. Get medical attention. Treat any injuries — to a person or a pet — as your first priority.
2. Report it straight away. Call Council on (03) 6264 0300, including after hours.
3. Document everything. Take photos, gather details, and keep records while they’re fresh.

Don’t wait until business hours. Our after-hours service records all information and passes it to the on-call officer, who will contact you as soon as possible. This matters most when the offending dog is still at large.

How to report an attack

• Dog Attack Incident Report form (online)
• Dog Attack Incident Report (PDF)
• Dog Attack Statutory Declaration (PDF)

Prefer to speak to someone? Call our Compliance team on (03) 6264 0300.

What happens after you report

Council takes every dog attack report seriously. Here’s the process:

1. An Authorised Council Officer contacts you for detailed information.
2. You may be asked to provide a statement, affidavit or Statutory Declaration.
3. We collect evidence — photos of injuries, witness statements, and any other material.
4. The dog’s owner is contacted for their account of the incident.
5. The officer assesses the circumstances and evidence.
6. Council decides on appropriate action.

Council’s response options

Depending on the severity, Council can:

• Issue a warning or advisory letter
• Issue an infringement notice
• Declare the dog a Dangerous Dog — see Dangerous Dogs for the legal requirements that then apply to the owner
• Seize and destroy the dog
• Take direct court action

Authorised officers can seize and detain dogs suspected of being involved in attacks. These dogs are held at Huon Valley Council’s Dog Pound during the investigation.

Legal responsibilities

Dog owners are legally responsible for their dog’s actions. Under the Dog Control Act 2000, it’s an offence for a dog to attack, harass or chase a person, vehicle or other animal.

Preventing dog attacks

Most dog bites happen because of fear, pain or confusion — not malice. Understanding why helps prevent incidents.

Prevention strategies

• Socialise early: expose your dog to other dogs and people from a young age
• Avoid triggers: learn to recognise situations that make your dog nervous or anxious
• Train: obedience classes help you read your dog’s body language
• Desex: entire dogs are typically more aggressive than desexed dogs
• See a vet: talk to your vet if your dog shows signs of aggression — pain or illness can be the cause

Warning signs to watch for:

• Growling, snarling or snapping
• Rigid body posture
• Raised hackles
• Intense staring
• Cowering or hiding