Why Are Pitbulls Restricted In Australia?
Pitbulls are restricted in Australia based on a perceived belief that this is an inherently dangerous breed. This stems from their traditional usage as fighting dogs, combined with events that have involved bites, attacks, and even deaths.
While this by no way means that every pit bull is a threat, or that they cannot be raised, and trained to be loving in temperament – the risk is still considered to be there.
Besides, there are three different factors that generally go against them:
And training cannot offer any guarentees.
Even the best trained dog could theoretically succumb or be provoked.
And while to many dog lovers this may seem harsh on the breed, it is an opinion shared by many veterinarians and animal behaviorial experts.
And unfortunately, and statistically speaking, pitbulls have more often than not been involved in, or directly responsible for attacks.
There are reports of them even killing young children.
This particular news series often covers them.
Unfortunately for the pitbull, there is no real justification for ownership – unlike in other breeds where aggression could be a by-product of their work.
Take the Australian Cattle Dogs, for instance.
All of this has resulted in BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) by the Australian Authorities.
This is essentially legislation to prevent dog bites and to better manage potentially aggressive dogs, which the Pitbull is classified as one.
What is a Restricted Dog Breed?
According to Australian law, it is illegal to import any of the dog breeds that we’ll mention in the next section. However, if you already own one, it is permitted under certain strict guidelines.
The guidelines differ from state to state but the overarching definition of restricted dog breeds in Australia is:
“pure or cross-bred:
Restricted breed dogs have not attacked a person or animal or displayed signs of aggression. However, they are considered a higher risk to community safety than other breeds of dogs.” (3)
If you own a restricted dog breed, you will need to declare them as such to the local council. Then you may be subject to the following requirements depending on the state (3):
- The dog goes missing
- The dog changes ownership
- The owner’s address changes
- The place where the dog is kept changes
- The municipality of the dog changes as they may be subject to different regulations in different states
AKA Presa Canarios were working dogs too. Their strong stature and independent minds made them prime candidates for herding cattle. They tend to be suspicious with strangers but overall, very doting and calm with family members. They can come across as aloof to other humans outside of the family circleThey are naturally wary of other dogs but this is likely a symptom of being bred as fighting dogs for so many years. They are protective of their families and are often us as guard dogs.However, like all dogs, they have the capacity to be calm and playful at home in comfortable, safe surroundings. (5) Japanese Tosa
AKA Tosa Inus are gentle but protective dogs by nature. They need a firm hand to obedience train them correctly as they can be aggressive and wilful without proper guidance. If they are socialised properly, they will still likely be a little cold and aloof with strangers but joyful and warm at home.
They are quite good with children and other pets if socialised well from puppyhood. They are very strong and vocal dogs which is why many find them good guard dogs. Note: when I say good guard dog I mean they provide a good warning system. Not that they will attack strangers, A well adjusted Tosa is quite welcoming or at worst apathetic to strangers. But they have a commanding, deep bark and large stature that deters intruders. Their even temperament means that they are generally calm at home. They just have a natural will to protect and serve their owners. (6)
Dogo Argentinos, with their characteristic bright white coats and black/pink noses, are adorable, loving pets. It’s such a shame that their breed has been tarnished by abuse in the dogfighting industry.
With a stocky build, the Dogo Argentino was bred as a pack-hunting dog. (7) They are loyal, obedient and extremely affectionate dogs to everyone’s great surprise! They are very athletic with a muscular build. They tend to be quite tall and fast on their feet.
Powerful, alert, graceful and playful. Dogo Argentinos love kids and other pets alike.
When bred to be fighting dogs, they are extremely menacing and dangerous. When raised to be happy and healthy, they are wonderful family dogs.
These mighty Brazilian dogs were bred as game hunters and working dogs before the dogfighting world coopted them.
This breed is similar to the Tosa and Presa Canario in that they need a firm hand when being raised correctly. They need an authoritative pet parent that will shape them into a model canine citizen. (8)
With that guidance, they become great companions. Probably not ideal for children or other small pets. However, they can be devoted, protective, warm members of the household.
Red Nose Pitbull | Thing You Need To Know Before Getting One
Under the Animals Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008, the Queensland government requires all dog owners in possession of a declared dangerous dog, menacing dog, and restricted dogs comply with each and every requirement of the Act or face large fines and penalties. We have compiled a short and handy Fact Sheet containing all the most important facts you need to know about regulated dogs in Queensland and guide you through the requirements with ease. If you need more details, read the Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Dogs in QLD page or contact your local council with the updated policies as of January 1, 2022.
The Act defines 3 types of dogs and calls them regulated dogs in general. Any dog no matter what size or breed can be declared dangerous or menacing.
Restricted dogs are dogs that are prohibited for import into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 of the Commonwealth which includes the following breeds:
The Act strictly prohibits breeding restricted dogs or encouraging them to breed. It is compulsory that these dogs are desexed and tattooed for proof. Selling, buying or giving away a restricted breed is also prohibited and all offenses are punishable by law.
The Act also includes a number of requirements of the proper housing or enclosure for a regulated dog. Old dog houses or enclosures are not to be used unless they comply with the Acts requirements on Enclosures defined in Division 3 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Regulation 2009.
Any breed or size of the dog in Queensland can be declared a dangerous or a menacing dog by an authorised officer of a local council depending on what the dog has done. A Dangerous Dog is any dog of any size or breed in Queensland being declared dangerous due to an attack or an act that has caused fear and resulted into serious injury against a person or animal. A Menacing Dog is any dog of any size or breed in Queensland being declared menacing due to an attack or an act that has caused fear to a person or animal in a non-serious manner. A Restricted Dog is dogs of a breed prohibited from import into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 of the Commonwealth including the breeds mentioned above.
In Queensland, it is required that all regulated dogs which include Dangerous Dogs, Menacing Dogs, and Restricted Dogs to wear a collar with a custom dog tag attached to it at all times. The tag must have these following features:
In Queensland, it is required that all regulated dogs which include Dangerous Dogs, Menacing Dogs, and Restricted Dogs are now required to wear a collar at all times starting January 1, 2022. The collar must have the following features:
Queensland has required 3 different dog warning signs depending on what type of dog you own to be placed on all entrances to the premises where the regulated dog is usually kept. The signs must have these following features:
It is required that all regulated dogs in Queensland which include dangerous dogs, menacing dogs, and restricted dogs to wear a secure dog muzzle at all times in public. The dog must also be on a leash all the time and handled by a responsible person, not below the age of 18.
Dog owners with regulated dogs in Queensland are required to comply with the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008 requirements or face large fines and penalties. Some of the most important requirements are:
This fact sheet is meant to be a short guide for dog owners with dangerous dogs, menacing dogs or restricted dogs. For more details read the Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Dogs in QLD page or contact your local council.
The information contained on this page is meant as a general guide and general advice only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. We recommend people follow the instructions of their local government department. These materials are intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete, or up-to-date and should in no way be taken as an indication of future results. The Dog Line offers this information freely and takes no responsibility for its accuracy. For more details, please contact your local council.