Lexi Webster
Australia has a ban on aggressive dog breeds that were bred for fighting, including the American Pit Bull Terrier. The ban also applies to dogs that look like pit bulls, and dogs that display any visible characteristics of the breed. Pit bull terriers have been banned from importation into Australia for over 15 years, but some were in the country before the ban. Owners of pit bulls in Australia must be granted authorisation from the authorities to own one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dog breeds banned in Australia | Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, Perro de Presa Canario, Presa Canario, XL Bully Dogs |
| Other banned hybrids | Wolf crosses, domestic and non-domestic dog hybrids |
| Australian states where Pit Bulls are banned | Most Australian jurisdictions |
| Appeal process | Appeal to the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) within 28 days of the notice |
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What You'll Learn
Why are bull terriers banned in Australia?
Australia has strict biosecurity and import regulations for pets, banning aggressive dog breeds that were specifically bred for fighting. This ban is in place to safeguard the public and other animals.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, including the American Bully and American Staffordshire Terrier, is banned in Australia. Pit Bull Terriers have been banned from importation into Australia for over 15 years, but some remain in the country from before the ban. Owners must be granted authorisation from the authorities to own one. The ban also extends to mixed breeds and dogs that display visible characteristics of the breed.
Pit Bull Terriers are large, thick, strong, and muscular dogs, with a long history of being used as fighting dogs. They are highly intelligent and have a hunting instinct, which makes them dangerous. They are also known to have caused a significant number of dog attacks in Australia, with 10.3% of maulings attributed to them.
In addition to the American Pit Bull Terrier, other breeds banned in Australia include the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario. These breeds are large, working, and hunting dogs that are considered aggressive and capable of causing serious injuries.
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Which breeds are considered bull terriers?
The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. There is also a miniature version of this breed, officially known as the Miniature Bull Terrier. The Bull Terrier was originally bred for vermin control and blood sports. The breed is recognised by its unique head features, particularly its 'egg-shaped' head when viewed from the front. The top of the skull and face is almost flat, with the profile curving gently downwards from the skull to the tip of the nose. The nose itself is black and bent downwards, with well-developed nostrils. The lower jaw is deep and strong, and the eyes are small, dark, deep-set, and triangular. The Bull Terrier's body is full and round, with strong, muscular shoulders.
Bull Terriers are active, loyal, playful, and considered one of the strongest dog breeds in terms of weight. They require a lot of human interaction in the form of games, training, and walks. They are also energetic, huggable, exuberant, comical, mischievous, and stubborn. They are well-suited for active people and can make good watchdogs, but they may be aggressive towards unfamiliar animals.
The Bull Terrier was developed in 19th-century England from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog and White English Terrier, as well as the Dalmatian. Other breeds, including the Spanish pointer, foxhound, and Greyhound, may have also been incorporated. The breed was originally developed for dogfighting pits, but by the late 1800s, breeders began to focus on traits that transformed the dog into a gentleman's fashionable companion.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate variety recognised by the AKC in 1936, was introduced in the early 20th century to address medical problems associated with all-white breeding. Brindle is the preferred colour, but other colours are also accepted.
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Are there any places in Australia where bull terriers are not banned?
Australia has a ban on aggressive dog breeds that were bred for fighting, including the American Pit Bull Terrier. This ban extends to mixed breeds with any visible characteristics of the restricted breed. However, there are some Pit Bull Terriers in Australia that were in the country before the ban was implemented.
In Tasmania, cross-breed dogs are not declared restricted breed dogs, and owners of dogs declared restricted can appeal to the Magistrates Court.
While the Australian government has banned the importation of Pit Bull Terriers, there is a "grandfather period" for people who owned these dogs before the legislation passed, allowing them to keep their pets.
Therefore, while Pit Bull Terriers are banned in most Australian jurisdictions, there are some places in Australia, such as Tasmania and states with a "grandfather period," where these dogs are not banned and can be owned legally.
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What are the penalties for owning a bull terrier in Australia?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is banned in most regions of Australia. The breed is classified as "restricted," which means that owning, breeding, or importing these dogs is prohibited or heavily regulated. The penalties for owning a restricted breed dog in Australia can include fines, imprisonment, and even the removal and euthanization of the dog.
If a dog is believed to be a Pit Bull, the owner must provide proof that it is not, typically through DNA testing. If the dog is found to be a restricted breed, the owner may face penalties, including fines of up to $16,550 or the equivalent of 60 penalty units, and imprisonment for up to six months. These penalties apply to the breeding of restricted breed dogs as well, even if done unintentionally.
Owners of restricted breed dogs in Australia must also comply with certain requirements, such as de-sexing the dog and implanting an ISO microchip. Within seven days of the dog being microchipped, the owner must supply the relevant council with the microchip details. Restricted breed dogs are also required to wear a prescribed reflective collar at all times, making them easily identifiable from a distance.
It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding restricted breed dogs can vary across different states, territories, and municipalities in Australia. While Pit Bull Terriers are banned in most regions, there may be specific circumstances where ownership is permitted with local state permission, although this is rarely granted.
In summary, the penalties for owning a restricted breed dog, such as a Pit Bull Terrier, in Australia can include fines, imprisonment, and compliance with specific requirements for the dog's identification and containment. The severity of the penalties and the likelihood of enforcement may depend on the specific state or region in which the owner resides.
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What are the alternatives to banning bull terriers?
Australia has a ban on aggressive dog breeds that were specifically bred for fighting, including Pit Bull Terriers. However, there are alternatives to breed-specific legislation (BSL) that can be considered.
Breed-specific legislation is ineffective and may even be counterproductive. When animal control resources are used to regulate or ban a certain breed, the focus is shifted away from effective enforcement of laws that have the best chances of making communities safer. These include dog license laws, leash laws, anti-animal fighting laws, anti-tethering laws, laws facilitating spaying and neutering, and laws that require all owners to control their dogs, regardless of breed.
Breed-specific laws may also have unintended negative consequences. For example, guardians of banned breeds may be deterred from seeking routine veterinary care, which can lead to outbreaks of rabies and other diseases that endanger communities. BSL may also encourage irresponsible dog ownership, as certain breeds are regulated, individuals who exploit aggression in dogs may turn to other, unregulated breeds.
Instead of breed-specific legislation, laws can focus on reckless owners. This would prevent responsible people from having to give up their pets and would avoid the negative consequences of BSL.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Australian government banned the importation of American Pit Bull Terriers in 2011. They are considered dangerous and bred specifically to fight.
Yes, if you owned a Pit Bull Terrier before the ban, you can keep the animal.
Cross-breed dogs are not declared restricted breed dogs in Tasmania. However, the ban extends to dogs that display any visible characteristics of Pit Bull Terriers. If your dog is declared a restricted breed, you can appeal to the Magistrates Court.
Other banned breeds include the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
