Safety around dogs

• Take it to a veterinarian to make sure it is not in any pain.
• Seek professional advice.
• Keep your dog securely contained on your property.
• Use a lead and muzzle when necessary to maintain control in public.
• Do not allow your dog to rush at people, visitors or other animals.
• Pay attention to situations that trigger aggressive or territorial behaviour and manage these where possible.
• Make sure visitors and people approaching your property know there is a dog present, if appropriate.

Do not set your dog up to fail by putting it in situations which will trigger its aggression.

• Avoid approaching or trying to pat an unfamiliar dog.
• Keep children away from an unfamiliar dog unless the owner has confirmed it is safe to approach.
• Never pat an unfamiliar dog on the head.
• Stay calm and avoid sudden movements if you encounter an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not run away or scream, as this may encourage the dog to chase.
• Give an aggressive dog space and move away slowly where it is safe to do so and get yourself behind a barrier.
• Call for help or knock on doors if you need help.
• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog.
• If a dog is lunging toward you stand like a tree with your arms crossed against your chest. If you are knocked down, assume a turtle position with your knees against your chest and your hands covering your neck and head.
• If you are concerned about an aggressive or uncontrolled dog in your community, contact Council's Animal Services team.

Phone us on (03) 211 1777 immediately.

The Council’s Animal Services team takes reports of dog attacks very seriously, and will always investigate them. The person you speak with will take some details, and pass on your complaint to an investigating officer.

We will alert an officer and they will contact you as soon as possible, unless the attack is in progress, then we will dispatch an officer immediately.