Government to muzzle four dog breeds, ban imports

3.15pm

Four breeds of dog will have to be muzzled in public under changes to dog control laws announced today.

American Pit Bull Terriers, Brazilian Filas, Dogo Argentinos and Japanese Tosas are covered under the law change.

"These dogs are either banned or have restrictions placed on them in many other countries," Local Government Minister Chris Carter said today.

"They have been bred for fighting and are internationally recognised as posing a considerable risk if they attack."

Mr Carter said importation of the four breeds was also being banned.

"We have no desire to prevent people owning dogs but if they do, they must realise they are taking on a responsibility and the law should reflect that," Mr Carter said.

"Unfortunately, the statistics clearly show those most affected by dog attacks are children under 15."

Other initiatives in the package include:

* an increase in the maximum penalty for the worst offences under the Dog Control Act to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000

* a new discretionary power to require dogs that a territorial authority believes may be dangerous to be muzzled in public

* a requirement that all dog owners have a securely fenced area for their dog allowing unimpeded access to at least one door by July 2006

* the removal of the category of probationary dog owner, leaving only the category of disqualified dog owner.

* the phased introduction of micro-chipping with the first requirement being that all newly registered dogs have micro-chip identification by July 2006.

The initiatives will be put into a supplementary order paper of proposed amendments to the Local Government Reform Bill currently before a parliamentary select committee.

Dangerous breeds:

American Pit Bull Terrier

Brazilian Fila

Dogos Argentinos

Japanese Tosa