Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008

The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008(PDF, 783KB) has been introduced to establish a consistent approach to animal management in Queensland. In particular it aims to reduce the numbers of stray and unwanted animals euthanised each year, as well as developing an effective and consistent approach to managing dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs.

Rockhampton Regional Council follows registration and microchipping laws in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008:

  • all dogs must be registered(PDF, 282KB) from 12 weeks of age
  • microchipping will be required from 12 weeks of age or upon transfer of ownership
  • working dogs only will be exempt from mandatory registration and microchipping
  • desexing is recommended at an appropriate age.

Although working dogs will be exempt from registration and microchipping obligations, there are strict guidelines for the classification of a working dog. Please contact Council or refer to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 for further advice.  

Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 , the dogs listed as restricted are required to have a permit in addition to registration. Permits can be applied for when registering a dog on the Dog Registration Application Form(PDF, 282KB). Restricted dogs are those breeds prohibited from importation into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 or dogs that are the subject of a restricted dog declaration.

The following are restricted dog breeds:

  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Japanese Tosa
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Perro de Presa Canario
  • Presa Canario

Please note the changes relating to regulated dogs were implemented for the Rockhampton Region from 1 July 2009.

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