News
18 June, 2025
Dozens of dogs declared dangerous
DOZENS of dogs have been declared dangerous or menacing across Somerset and Moreton Bay over the past year, with hundreds more investigated over attacks on people and animals.
City of Moreton Bay recorded 1379 incidents involving dog attacks, menacing behaviour or fatal outcomes between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024.
Of those, 43 dogs were formally declared dangerous or menacing.
Fourteen were destroyed within two months of the declaration under mandatory provisions of Queensland’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
Moreton Bay Council said all incidents were taken seriously, including bites and behaviour that caused fear.
“Dog owners are responsible for their dog’s actions,” a spokesperson said.
“They must take reasonable steps to ensure their dog does not attack or act in a way that causes fear.”
The council welcomed recent changes to state laws tightening pet ownership requirements and said its rangers could seize, fine or impose restrictions on dogs under the Act.
It also runs a public education program about responsible pet ownership.
In neighbouring Somerset, 28 attacks have been investigated so far this financial year — 10 involving people and 18 animals.
Somerset Regional Council CEO Andrew Johnson said investigations considered all facts and circumstances of each case.
He said serious attacks under the Act were defined as those causing death or injury to a person or animal.
Somerset Council does not run an education program but urges residents to exercise caution around unfamiliar dogs.
Some 30 of the 43 regulated dogs in Moreton Bay had been registered with council before being declared.
The council said destruction orders were issued only when legal thresholds were met and where rehoming was not permitted under legislation.
