Menacing and Dangerous
dogs
What is a menacing dog?
Dogs can be classified as menacing if they are seen or are reported to be posing a threat to any person, stock, poultry, domestic animal or wildlife.
There are also five types of dogs automatically classified as menacing under Schedule 4 of the Dog Control Act 1996:
- Brazilian Fila
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario
- American Pit Bull Terrier
A menacing dog must be on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public places to ensure the risk to the public is minimised.
Dog owners with a dog that is classified as menacing must:
- Neuter the dog within one month of the classification
- Muzzle the dog when it is removed from the property or taken into any public place (even when on a leash)
- Disclose the menacing dog classification to any new owners if there is a change of ownership
- Advise any temporary owner or carer of all the requirements.
What is a dangerous dog?
Dangerous dogs are those classed as high risk, usually after
an attack or aggressive behaviour that is deemed to be a serious threat to any
person, stock, poultry, domestic animal or wildlife.
A dangerous dog classification lasts for the life of the
dog.
Dog owners with a dog that is classified as dangerous must:
- The property must meet the fencing requirements
for dangerous dogs as explained in Section 4.3 of the Dog Control Bylaw
- Neuter the dog within one month of the classification
- Muzzle the dog when it is removed from the
fenced area of the property or taken into any public place (even when on a
leash)
- Control the dog at all times
- Pay the dangerous dog rate for dog registration
for the rest of the dog’s life – this is 150% of the normal registration rate
- Obtain written permission from the Council
before selling or disposing of the dog
- Disclose the dangerous dog classification to any
new owners if there is a change of ownership
- Advise any temporary owner or carer of all the
requirements.
If you are wanting to transfer ownership of a dog that is
classified as dangerous, you must apply to us in writing prior to rehoming the
dog as the new property will need to meet the fencing requirements. Email the details to
info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz and our
Animal Management team will be in touch to discuss this further.
