He kurī whakamataku mōrearea Menacing and dangerous dogs

A dog can be classified as menacing either by its breed or behaviour.

The Dog Control Act says any dog that is mostly or fully one of these breeds is automatically classed as menacing, no matter how it behaves:

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

We consider the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a Pit Bull–type dog. If your dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier, it will not be classed as menacing if you can prove that this is its main or only breed. 

To do this you will need to provide one of these documents:

• certificate from Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club)
• a DNA certificate showing the largest percentage of the breed make-up as American Staffordshire Terrier.

You can also request a visual inspection at any of our animal shelters, where an approved assessor will determine the main breed of your dog.

These inspections are by appointment only.

Dogs of any breed can be classified as menacing if their behaviour shows they are a risk.

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

We will issue a notice of your dog's classification.

Once your dog is classified as menacing, it must be:

• muzzled in public except when in a vehicle or cage
• either neutered or certified unfit to be neutered within one month
• microchipped within two months.

A dog can be classified as dangerous, regardless of its breed, if:

• there is a reason to believe that it poses a threat to the safety of any person, animal, or protected wildlife based on evidence of aggressive behaviour
• the owner has been convicted of an offence due to the dog rushing at a person, animal or vehicle
• the owner admits that the dog poses a threat to the safety of any person, animal or protected wildlife.

For more information, visit Territorial authority to classify dangerous dogs under the Dog Control Act 1996.

We will issue a notice of your dog's classification.

Within one month of getting the notice of classification, your dog must be:

• kept in a fenced area of your property - this should be separate and fenced from the entry into your property
• either desexed or certified unfit to be neutered before the date specified
• muzzled in public except when in a vehicle or cage
• on a leash at all times in public, except when in a dog exercise area.

Your dog's registration fee will be higher than dogs that are not classified as dangerous. You must not change ownership of your dog without our written consent.

For details on rules and penalties regarding dogs causing harm, visit the relevant sections from the Dog Control Act 1996.

• Dogs attacking persons or animals
• Dogs rushing at persons, animals or vehicles
• Dogs causing serious injury