​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Contact

Search

Menacing Dogs

Under the Dog Control Act, a dog can be classified as menacing either by their breed or behaviour.

Menacing by Breed

The Dog Control Act automatically classifies dogs that are wholly or predominantly of these breeds as menacing, no matter how they behave individually. These dogs are the Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario and American Pit Bull Terrier.

Example images of menacing dog breeds

Menacing by Behaviour

Any dog can also be classified as menacing by behavior, regardless of its breed.

This happens when a dog has proven to be a risk to the public, other animals or protected wildlife.

In the South Waikato District, if Animal Control Officers classify your dog as menacing, we issue you with a notice of your dog's classification. Your dog must then be:

  • muzzled in public except when in a vehicle or cage.
  • neutered or certified unfit to be neutered within one month of being classified as menacing due to behavior.

If you dog has been classified as menacing due to its breed, we strongly recommend that you have your dog desexed. Please ask for advice on how we might be able to assist in helping you get your dog desexed by ringing 07 885 0340.

Share this

Share this page

Sharing...