Biting and aggression
All pet owners hope their pet won’t show
aggression towards other animals or
people but it can and does happen for
many reasons. It is important to
remember that pet owners are
responsible and legally liable for the
actions of their animals.

There are additional special
responsibilities for owners of restricted
dogs, owners should contact council or
access the council website for details
Community rights

We are all aware of the need to protect our
community from the danger and fear of dog
attacks.
Ensure your pet has been appropriately
trained and socialised
Impact on victims
People have a right to feel safe in our
community, it is the responsibility of pet
owners to ensure their pet doesn’t bite or act
aggressively towards other people and
animals. Public areas should be safe for
people to enjoy.
Aggressive animals have no place in public
areas, animals that show aggression should
be under close and direct supervision of their
owners or a responsible person at all times.
Responsible pet ownership

Always supervise children around dogs.
Dog play can become rough and may
sometimes result in a bite/nip.
Constantly monitor your children when a
dog is around & never leave babies or
young children alone with a dog

Keep children away from a dog if it is
sleeping, feeding (especially chewing a
bone) or if recovering from an illness or
injury

Always check to see that your fencing or
dog enclosure is secure. Keeping your
dog confined on your property will
greatly lessen the risk to others in the
community

Always use a leash when walking your
dog in public and treat off leash areas
with the same respect as other public
areas. If you are going to let your dog
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run in an off leash area, always make
sure that you are watching your pet to
monitor and control the situation
Being bitten or attacked by a dog can
produce serious physical, psychological and
emotional effects, not only for the person
who is attacked but also for the owner of the
attacking dog.
Even if the victim is not bitten, the threat of
the attack can cause lasting trauma.
Penalties
Biting and aggression is a matter Sunshine
Coast Council takes very seriously.
There are laws in place to deal with dog
attacks and menacing behaviour by dogs.
Should your dog attack a person or another
animal or instil fear or apprehension in a
person, you could be in breach of those
laws. Council may seize your dog, issue you
with fines or commence a legal prosecution
against you on more serious matters.
Once a complaint about aggressive or
menacing behaviour has been received, if
proven, council may list the animal as a
“Regulated Dog” and the owner will have to
comply with the special conditions listed in
the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs)
Act 2008.
Council has the ability to seize any animal
that is considered a threat to community
safety.
For more information
If you have any further questions about
aggressive dogs please contact your local
council office.
There are more fact sheets relating to pets
and animals on the council website. You
could also consult your local library, the
RSPCA or your vet.
For more information on registering your pet,
applying for a license to keep more than the
permitted number of animals or other
relevant legislation relating to keeping
animals on the Sunshine Coast please see
our website or contact council via email or
phone.
Current as at July 2015
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Fact Sheet Biting and aggression