What the laws say on dog attacks around Australia

Twenty-seven Australians are admitted to hospital with dog bites every day – and thousands more attacks never make the official figures.

The latest attack saw a 37-year old man in Brisbane left fighting for life after being mauled by two dogs in a park.

The breed has not been confirmed.

But the laws on dog attacks differ across the country.

State laws on dog attacks

It depends on where the attack happened and the consequences can be extremely serious.

Queensland toughened its rules in 2024, with an $863 on-the-spot fine for failing to keep a dog under control in public.

While restricted breed rules apply nationwide, Queensland completely bans five kinds of dogs: the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Perro de Presa Canario.

The most serious offences can attract penalties of up to $120,890, while some can see owners sent to prison.

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Owners can face penalties when their dog attacks another person or animal even if nobody is hurt.

In Victoria if a dog attacks, a person can be charged and face a jail time of up to 10 years if the dog is declared dangerous or on the restricted list.

In South Australia, it is also dependent on the local council or the Dog and Cat Management Board on the consequences. This can include a charge and a fine.

If an owner in South Australia sets their dog on someone or incites an attack, they can face two years in jail.

Western Australia has similar legislation around inciting a dog attack, with penalties of up to $10,000 and 12 months in prison.

In NSW, once a dog is declared dangerous, strict requirements apply, including rules around enclosures, muzzles and leashes.

American Staffordshire Terriers led reported dog attacks early in 2026, with 196 incidents recorded by local councils, according to state government data.

Deliberately encouraging an attack can carry a maximum penalty of $77,000 and five years in prison.

Across the country, councils are usually the first line of action in dog attacks.

They hold the power to issue formal warnings and fines, take owners to court, order rehoming, or, in extreme cases, have the animal put down.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data shows 9920 people were hospitalised with dog bites in 2024–25.

Hospitalisation rates have risen across every age group over the past decade, with the biggest increase among people aged 45 and over.

Children can suffer particularly serious injuries because of their size.

What to do if a dog attacks you

The RSPCA advises against sudden movements when confronted by an aggressive dog.

Try and stay still, don’t scream or yell and avoid staring directly into the dog’s eyes.

If you can, slowly create distance and put something between yourself and the animal, such as a bag, fence, gate or car.

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Try to stay on your feet and protect vulnerable parts of your body, including your head, hands and the front of your body.

If you’re knocked over, curl into a ball and protect yourself as much as possible.