Call to report dog attacks

Moreton Bay Regional Council is urging residents to report dog attacks to help identify dangerous dogs in the region.

It comes ahead of Council’s annual Regulated Dog Inspection Program, which ensures owners of regulated dogs manage their dogs in accordance with State Government legislation.

Mayor Peter Flannery says Council is here to help anytime, day or night.

“24 hours a day, seven days a week, we’re here to help people who have experienced or witnessed a dog attack,” Mayor Flannery says.

“To assist Council manage dangerous dogs, residents need to report incidents with detailed information including the date, time, location and description of the attack.

“Dog attacks are a horrific experience and in a moment of panic it’s difficult for victims to remember specifics, so witness accounts can prove critical.

“Since our zero-tolerance policy towards dangerous dogs, we’re seeing more successful prosecutions and that’s largely thanks to the information people give to our investigating officers.”

Important issue

There are more than 77,000 dogs in the Moreton Bay Region, with 380 classified as regulated dogs, which are animals declared as dangerous, menacing or restricted.

“Each year, Council conducts a Regulated Dog Inspection Program, to ensure the safety of our community and visitors when they walk the streets,” Mayor Flannery says.

“We know that most residents manage their dogs responsibly, however, at times irresponsible pet ownership has resulted in dogs attacking a person or another animal.

“Unfortunately, people and animals in the community suffer the terrible consequences through the careless and negligent behaviour of owners when dogs are not properly controlled."

The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (The Act) imposes specific obligations on the owners of regulated dogs.

As part of Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Regulated Dog Inspection Program, officers will visit properties with regulated dogs between 1 April - 30 June 2021 to ensure they are meeting the requirements under The Act.

For more information about Council’s pets and animal services, visit the website