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Report a dog attack

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Report a dog attack on people or animals. Get safety tips for interacting with unfamiliar dogs.

Yellow Labrador barking in a dog park.
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If a dog attack is happening and is urgent or life-threatening, call Queensland Police Service immediately on 000.

How to report a dog attack

To report a dog attack, call Council on 07 3403 8888.

If you’re a victim of a dog attack or witness an attack, report it as soon as possible.

When reporting a dog attack, provide as much information as possible, including:

  • your contact details
  • the date, time and location of the attack
  • specifics about the attack, including how it started
  • the dog’s colour, breed, size and any identifying features
  • injuries to any person or animal involved
  • contact information from witnesses or anyone involved.
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Note

Take photos of the incident, any injuries and write down your version of events as soon as possible. If medical or veterinary treatment was needed, reports describing the likely cause and extent of the injury will be requested by Council in the investigation process.

Preventing dog attacks

Help keep the community safe from dog attacks by being a responsible dog owner.

  • Always walk your dog on a leash in public.
  • Provide appropriate fencing to make sure your dog doesn’t wander around unsupervised.
  • Understand your dog’s aggression triggers.
Get more tips

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Keeping a restricted or regulated dog

Pay an animal-related fine

Report a lost or found pet

Responding to dog attacks

Aggression in dogs can quickly escalate into attacks if triggered.

Dogs can behave aggressively when they’re anxious, scared or protecting their territory.

When you’re out and about, be mindful of these signs of aggression to prevent a dog attack:

  • hair raising
  • growling or barking
  • showing teeth or claws
  • tucking the tail between the legs.

If you're a dog owner, note how and when your dog shows aggression. If it’s becoming more aggressive than expected, consult your vet, a trainer or behaviour specialist.

Safety tips

  • Survey your surroundings and be aware of dogs nearby.
  • Monitor unfamiliar dogs and keep your distance.
  • Avoid interacting with off-leash dogs.
  • Report aggressive or wandering dogs and dog off leash ouside approved dog off leash areas.

  • Shield your face and neck from the dog's mouth.
  • Redirect the bite with an object (e.g. jacket or stick).
  • If knocked down, curl into a ball and stay still.

  • Don't physically intervene.
  • Distract the dog with noise or throw water or a jacket over it.
  • Call and leash the dog, if it’s yours.

Investigation and follow-up

Council will investigate the incident and we may:

  • declare the dog dangerous or menacing
  • fine the owner
  • seize the dog
  • propose to have the dog euthanised.
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Note

There are legal requirements and special fees for owning a regulated dog (a dog that’s been declared dangerous or menacing).

Frequently asked questions

You can’t report a dog attack anonymously as we may need to contact you about the incident in the future. However, your name and other personal information won’t be shared with anyone, including those involved in the dog attack. You may be required to provide evidence if the matter proceeds to court.

After you report a dog attack, Council will investigate the incident. As a result of the investigation, we may seize the dog, declare the dog dangerous or menacing, fine the owner, or propose to euthanise the dog.

You can report feral animals other than domestic dogs, including wild dogs and red foxes.

You can report other anaimals that attack to Council on 07 34038888.