Tough restrictions to apply to pit bull ownership

20/3/02
Western Australia will soon have tough new regulations covering the ownership and handling of pit bull terriers and certain other dangerous dog breeds.
Premier Geoff Gallop said a 'restricted breed' classification system would be introduced for a 12-month trial period in response to community concerns about pit bull terriers.
Dr Gallop said the tough new regulations, to apply from April 22, sought to balance the need for public safety, the welfare of animals and the rights of animal owners.
"Pit bull terriers will be targeted in line with similar action in other States," he said.
"These dogs were bred for their aggressive nature and fighting skills and, as such, need to be strictly controlled."
Under the new regulations a restricted breed dog owner must:

• keep the dog in a childproof and escape proof confinement when at home;

• display warning signs at each entrance to the premises at which the dog is kept;

• leash and muzzle the dog while in public places;

• notify their local council within 24 hours if the dog is missing or of ownership changes; and

• advise a new owner in writing that their dog is a restricted breed dog.

"The new laws will also ban minors from owning or taking charge of a restricted breed dog in public," the Premier said.
"Owning more than two dogs would first require a council permit."
Dr Gallop said restricted breed dog owners who ignored the new regulations would face fines of up to $5,000. Animals that were not properly muzzled, leashed or controlled could be seized and destroyed.
He said the regulations defined restricted breeds as those whose importation into Australia had been prohibited under Federal Customs laws. This included five specific breeds - pit bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, dogo Argentino, fila Brasileiro and Japanese tosa.
"These dogs have been banned from importation because of the danger they pose to the community but it appears the pit bull terrier is the only one of these breeds that was already in WA before the ban," the Premier said.
He said the Government had also commenced a comprehensive review of the State's Dog Act next year, giving special attention to issues of nuisance and public safety.
Any changes to the new restricted breed regulations resulting from the 12-month trial would be considered as part of the review of the Dog Act.
Premier's Office - 9222 9475