Report Dangerous Dogs in Perth - City By-laws

Public Safety Western Australia 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia residents must know how to report dangerous dogs quickly and correctly to protect people and pets. This guide explains who enforces dog by-laws in Perth, the immediate steps to report an incident, what information to collect, and the likely enforcement and appeal pathways. It draws on the City of Perth guidance and the Western Australian Dog Act to show official contacts and where to submit complaints and registration details.[1][2]

Reporting dangerous dogs

If you witness an attack, threat, or persistent aggressive behaviour, prioritise safety: move to a safe location and call emergency services if someone is injured. After immediate safety concerns are addressed, report the dog to the City of Perth Ranger and By-law Enforcement team using the official online reporting pathway or by phone. Provide a clear description of the dog, the owner (if known), location, time, and any evidence such as photos or video. Use the City of Perth complaint form for animal incidents or the local dog registration portal for registration queries.[1]

If someone is bitten or seriously injured, call emergency services first.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of dangerous dog rules in Perth is undertaken by City of Perth Rangers and authorised officers under the applicable local laws and the Western Australian Dog Act. Specific penalty amounts and escalation steps are provided in the controlling instruments or on the enforcing authority pages; where amounts or time limits are not shown on the cited page, this is noted below with the citation.

  • Enforcer: City of Perth Ranger Services and authorised officers (By-law Enforcement). See official complaints and enforcement contact details.[1]
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for exact amounts; check the consolidated local law or Dog Act for published fines.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and fixed penalty ranges are not specified on the cited page; refer to the local law text and Dog Act for formal escalation rules.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to muzzle, keep on lead, surrender, seizure of animals, or court action may be used; precise authorities and procedures are set out in the local law and state Dog Act.[2]
  • Complaint pathway: report online or by phone to City of Perth Ranger Services; inspectors will investigate and may issue notices or take enforcement action.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes, review bodies, and time limits are not specified on the cited City of Perth pages and should be checked in the relevant legislation or local law.
Rangers are the first point of contact for by-law enforcement in Perth.

Applications & Forms

For dog registration, complaints, and requests for action, the City of Perth publishes online forms and reporting tools. Fees, form names, and submission methods are available on the City of Perth pets and animal complaints pages; if a specific form number or fee is not shown on the cited page, it is noted as not specified.[1]

Action steps after an incident

  • Ensure immediate safety and call 000 if urgent medical help is required.
  • Report the incident to City of Perth Ranger Services via the official online complaint form or phone line.[1]
  • Collect evidence: photos, times, witness names, and contact details.
  • Provide registration details if known and request a follow-up or incident reference number.
Keep copies of any correspondence and the incident reference number for appeals or insurance claims.

FAQ

How do I report a dangerous dog in Perth?
Call 000 for emergencies; for non-urgent reports, use the City of Perth animal complaint/reporting page or phone Ranger Services with incident details.[1]
What information should I include in my report?
Provide date, time, exact location, description of the dog, owner details if available, photos or video, and witness contacts.
Will my personal details be shared with the dog owner?
Privacy practices are governed by the City of Perth privacy policy; ask the Ranger officer about confidentiality when you make the report.
Are there fees to lodge a complaint?
There is generally no fee to make a complaint; fees apply to registration or specific permits and are listed on the City of Perth pages where applicable.[1]

How-To

  1. Ensure anyone injured receives medical attention and call 000 if required.
  2. Document the incident with photos, video, and witness details.
  3. Report to City of Perth Ranger Services using the online animal complaint form or by phone and request an incident reference.[1]
  4. If evidence suggests a criminal offence or repeated danger, ask the Ranger officer about seizure or court actions and about follow-up timescales.
  5. If you disagree with enforcement outcomes, request information on review or appeal pathways from the officer and retain all records to support an appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly to City of Perth Ranger Services to ensure swift investigation.
  • Collect clear evidence and witness details to support enforcement action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Pets and animals
  2. [2] Dog Act 1976 (Western Australia)

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