Collars, Muzzles and Dangerous Dogs
Under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, some dogs are placed under specific Control Orders by councils following a serious incident or a history of serious incidents. A Control Order comes with legal requirements and responsibilities on the owners, above those that are required for dog owners generally under the Act.
Animal Management Officers undergo training and an extensive evidence collection process in determining which Control Order would be best suited and take implementing Control Orders very seriously. Control Orders can be for harassment or attacks towards people or other animals, and Officers consider the situation, the severity of the incident and the risk of such an incident reoccurring when deciding the severity of the Control Order. You can find more information about Control Orders under the Act.
Dogs with Dangerous and Menacing Control Orders placed on them must wear a muzzle and specific identifying collar (a ‘Dangerous Dog’ collar) when out in public. They must also remain on lead at all times.
The Dangerous Dog Collar is identifiable by the fluorescent red and yellow stripes that can be easily observed on any coat from a distance. It is a heavy-duty leather buckle collar that comes in different sizes and widths for different sized dogs.
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover!
There may be lots of reasons why an owner might place a muzzle on their dog, of which a Control Order is only one. Owners may use muzzles to help indicate to others that their dog needs space, or to feel safer or more in control when out and about with their dog. In fact, there are some medication side affects that cause extreme hunger and muzzles can help dog owners prevent their dog from eating anything and everything on walks.
Owners of dogs wearing muzzles are still doing the right thing by getting their dog out for a walk and meeting their dog’s needs! They are also taking responsibility for their dog and potentially the safety of others.
While there is no regulation on the type of muzzle, we recommend basket-type muzzles that allow the dogs to open their mouths on the inside of the muzzle so they can pant, eat and drink as needed.
ℹ️ Dogs regulate their temperature through panting, and pant when they are stressed, and so being able to open their mouths is incredibly important to their welfare.
If you’d like to learn more about the correct fit of muzzles, and how to help your dog learn to wear a muzzle, you can find more information here:
If you come across a dog being walked in a muzzle and/or a Dangerous Dog Collar, please remember that this owner is correctly complying with the legislation, and ensuring that their dog gets out for enriching walks and exercise safely. There is no need to judge, just give them space.
If you come across a dog wandering alone wearing a muzzle and/or a Dangerous Dog Collar when out and about, please do not approach and contact Council immediately.