Dog off-leash areas

A lot of people are terrified of dogs — even your cute pup which ‘wouldn’t hurt a fly’. Be conscious of who your dog is approaching and how they are approaching other animals and people, especially small children.

Lots of dogs are aggressive toward other dogs or are leash reactive. If your dog isn’t on a leash, you have lost your most powerful tool to stop a dog fight before it starts.

You cannot control the outside stimuli, what’s happening around you, such as the appearance of another dog, people, bicycles, traffic, loud noises or wildlife.

Your dog may become distracted by these even with your best attempts to keep them in line.

Consider pausing before you enter the area, assess the area and your dog’s response to such before setting them free to play.

Bring several bags on your walks to be sure you have enough.

The same rule applies if you see another dog and their owner approaching. Ask first and respect the other’s response.

Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Keep your dog close to you and stay alert to others. Your leash should be short enough to prevent your dog from contacting or jumping on passers-by.

Some dogs are harder to control than others, especially when excited. If you cannot control the animal, it's best you don’t take it into a public space, especially an off-leash space.

Stay close to your dog. Be attentive and be proactive.

Being a dog owner means that you are legally responsible for your dog’s behaviour at all times. Even in off leash areas, it’s important to stop your dog from causing a nuisance or being aggressive towards other dogs. At no time should your dog impede other people’s enjoyment of the park.

Fraser Coast Regional Council investigates dog attacks under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Fraser Coast Regional Council Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2011.

Report a Dog Attack

If you witness or are involved in a dog attack, report it to Fraser Coast Regional Council as soon as possible by phoning 1300 79 49 29 (available 24/7 for emergencies) or by submitting an online report.

Timely reporting helps Council respond quickly, ensure public safety, and collect critical evidence while the incident is still fresh.

Applicable Laws

Under the Queensland Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, it is an offence to:

• Fail to control a dog in a public place,
• Allow or encourage a dog to attack or cause fear, and
• Fail to meet legal requirements for keeping a Menacing or Dangerous dog.

Under Council’s Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2011, owners must keep dogs in secure enclosures to prevent escape or wandering.

What Happens When a Dog Attack is Reported?

Initial Response – Community Ranger

Council’s Community Ranger is typically the first to respond. Their duties include:

• Ensuring public safety and securing the dog,
• Assessing enclosure adequacy and seizing the dog if necessary,
• Gathering initial evidence (photos, witness details, dog registration status),
• Noting verbal accounts.

Formal Investigation – Senior Investigator

Once safety is confirmed, a Senior Investigator will:

• Conduct formal interviews and take written statements,
• Gather and review evidence (photos, medical/vet reports, witness accounts, dog history),
• Assess if legal thresholds are met,
• Recommend enforcement action.

Council’s Possible Actions

Based on the investigation outcome, Council may:

• Issue fines (Penalty Infringement Notices),
• Prosecute under State or Local Law,
• Declare the dog Menacing or Dangerous,
• Impose control conditions (e.g. fencing upgrades),
• Seize or humanely destroy the dog in serious cases.

For Victims of Dog Attacks

What to Expect

• Council’s priority is public and animal safety.
• Most reports are made after the incident.
• Investigations commence as soon as practicable and are evidence-based.
• Legal action requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.

How You Can Help

• Seek medical/vet attention immediately,
• Make notes of the incident while fresh in memory,
• Take photos of injuries, the dog, and the location (safely),
• Provide any medical/vet reports to Council,
• Cooperate with investigators.

Note: Council has up to 12 months from the date of the attack to commence legal proceedings.

Will You Have to Go to Court?

• Most cases settle before trial.
• If the owner pleads not guilty, you may be asked to give evidence.
• Council will notify you and support you through the process.

Will You Be Compensated?

Council cannot award or pursue compensation. If you wish to seek reimbursement for medical/vet bills or other damages, speak to a solicitor.

Will You Be Kept Informed?

Due to the Information Privacy Act 2009, Council cannot share the dog owner’s details or specific enforcement actions. However, you will be updated as permitted and informed of court outcomes if applicable.

For Dog Owners Involved in an Alleged Attack

Why You’ve Been Contacted

A dog registered to you, or in your care, has been involved in a reported attack. You are legally responsible and are required to cooperate with Council’s investigation.

Your Responsibilities

• Secure your dog in an escape-proof enclosure,
• Ensure registration and microchipping is up to date,
• Cooperate fully with the investigation,
• Provide your version of events and any supporting evidence.

Will Your Dog Be Seized or Euthanised?

• Most dogs remain with owners during the investigation.
• Seizure may occur if the dog poses an ongoing risk or cannot be secured.
• Euthanasia is only ordered in serious circumstances, including:
  • Inability to control the dog,
  • Severe attacks,
  • Repeat offending, or
  • Owner request.

Each case is assessed individually.

Can You Contact the Victim?

No. Council is obligated to protect the victim’s privacy. If you wish to offer compensation or an apology, Council can pass your contact details to the victim for them to initiate contact, if they choose.

Will You Need to Go to Court?

If Council proceeds with prosecution:

• You will receive formal court documents,
• You can plead guilty or not guilty,
• A hearing will be set if you plead not guilty.

Council prosecutes to protect public safety, not to target responsible pet owners. Legal advice is recommended.

Need Help?

If you have questions about the investigation, your rights, or your dog’s welfare, contact the investigating officer listed on your correspondence.