Read Animal Welfare Victoria's code on having a dog.
Reporting an injured dog
If you find a dog that is sick or injured, please take it straight to the closest vet if you can.
Deceased animal
If you find a deceased animal on our land, call us on 9490 4222. If it is after-hours, you will be connected to our after-hours service.
Reporting dogs at large
If you see a dog without its owner, make contact with our Municipal Laws Team on 9490 4222 during business hours and an officer will attend and collect the dog.
When reporting, try to provide as much information as possible to assist officers with collecting the dog.
Some helpful information includes:
- description of the dog, for example breed, size and colour
- the last seen location of the dog and where it was heading
- characteristics of the dog, for example displaying aggressive behavior.
Dangerous behaviour
If you witness or experience a dog that has approached a person within 3m, displayed aggressive behaviour such as snarling, growling, barking and/or raising its hackles, you can make a report to our Municipal Laws Team for further investigation.
To help us successfully investigate, tell us:
- what you observed
- where and when you observed the behaviour
- characteristics and description of the dog
- any information that will help us identify the dog and its owner.
You may be asked to provide a statement detailing what occurred.
Pending investigation, we may declare a dog as menacing if it is proven that a dog has:
- rushed at a person
- caused a non-serious bite to a person
- has been declared a menacing dog by another council.
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 allows us to declare a dog as dangerous if:
- it has caused serious injury to a person or animal by biting or attacking
- it is kept as a guard dog or has been trained to attack people or animals
- it is declared a menacing dog and its owner has received 2 infringement notices for the dog not being leashed and/or muzzled in a public place
- it has been declared a dangerous dog by another council.
Dog attacks
Pet owners are legally and financially responsible for any dog attack involving their pet. In an emergency, call 000.
Should you experience or witness a dog attack, you can report this directly to us by calling 9490 4222. Officers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to dog attack incidents.
Information that you can provide to assist with a successful investigation includes:
- what you observed or experienced
- where and when the attack happened
- description and characteristics of the dog
- medical or veterinary reports
- photos of injuries sustained as a result of the attack
- contact details of any witnesses
- CCTV footage.
We will work with you to gather evidence and decide what, if any, action will be taken against the accused dog and its owner.
You may be asked to provide a statement detailing what had occurred. Every reported attack is assessed on a case-by-case basis. We will contact you to discuss your situation and concerns, and will provide further information as necessary based on your circumstances.
Depending on the nature of the attack and level of injuries sustained, an infringement may be issued or the matter may be referred to a court.
Barking
Barking dogs disrupt the peace and lead to potential community conflicts. Techniques to reduce this behaviour include:
- providing adequate exercise
- creating a comfortable environment
- train and socialise with positive reinforcement, commands and time with other dogs
- reducing isolation and spending time with direct attention
- use distraction methods like offering toys or chew items
- exposing to the cause of barking to gain familiarity by offering rewards
- seeking help from professional dog trainers.
Disobedience
Obedience is a great way to socialise your dog and meet people with a common interest.
There are several dog obedience clubs in and around Banyule:
- Diamond Valley Dog Obedience Club, Poulter Reserve, Poulter Ave, Greensborough
- Warringal Obedience Dog Club, Macleod College Oval, Some @ Melrose Avenues, Macleod
- Wiltja Dog Obedience Club, Bundoora Park, Bundoora
- The Kintala Club, Warringal Parklands, Heidelberg
- German Shepherd Dog Club (Northern Branch), Bundoora Park, Plenty Road, Bundoora
Desexing
Desexing your dog avoids unwanted puppies, helps calm aggressive animals and reduces their instinct to wander.
Have your dog desexed at: