Australian ‘Victorian’ Government legislation
on Protection Training
Things You Should Know About Dog Training Establishments -2007
The
Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act
ensures that domestic animal businesses throughout
Victoria continue to meet community expectations. The Act does this by
establishing a registration scheme for domestic animal businesses such as dog
training establishments and adopting enforceable Codes of Practice for their
business operations.
It is an offence to attack train a dog unless that training is done through a
registered dog training establishment, and in accordance with the Code of
Practice.
Dog training establishments classified as domestic animal businesses are
required by the
Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act
to comply with the
Code of Practice for the Operation of Dog Training Establishments.
The purpose of the Code of Practice for the Operation of Dog Training
Establishments is to define the minimum standards of accommodation, management
and care which are appropriate to the physical and behavioural needs of dogs
being trained in dog training establishments. The Code is to be observed by
owners of, and workers in, dog training establishments, including those that
conduct training at the residence of a client. The Code imposes specified
procedures on the manager and staff of the establishment, as well as minimum
husbandry requirements including nutrition, vaccination and health care,
security, housing and minimum pen sizes where training is conducted on the
premises and dogs are required to be housed. In the best interests of you and
your dog, only those businesses that meet, as a minimum, the requirements of the
Code are permitted to operate.
Before you engage your dog in a professional training programme, you should be
aware of some important provisions contained in the Code of Practice.
Protection Training
Protection training is defined as training a dog to attack people or animals and includes the training of a dog to attack a human wearing padded protective clothing for any purpose including sport. All dogs entering dog training establishments must be identified and dogs that are undergoing protection training must be permanently identified by means of a microchip issued by the municipality in which the dog normally resides. The Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act requires an owner to notify the appropriate municipality immediately attack training has commenced.
Licensed Security Guards
- Licensed security guards registered under the Private Agents Act 1966 are the only persons eligible to have their dogs trained as Protection Dogs, or to be trained in Protection Training.
- Proof of Security Licence must be shown to the training establishment prior to commencement of Protection Training.
- No member of the public may be trained in protection training unless the above pre-requisites are complied with.
Eligible Dogs
The minimum age of a dog
before protection training is allowed is 12 months.
Only
recognised guarding breeds of the large variety and cross breeds of these, are
allowed to be trained in protection training. These breeds are:
-
German Shepherd
- Rottweiler
- Doberman
- Other breeds recognised by the VCA as large guarding breeds.
Council Notification
An owner must notify the
appropriate municipality immediately when attack training has commenced.
Dangerous Dogs
Dogs that have been
trained to attack are dangerous dogs, and owners will be required to adhere to
prescribed conditions (contact your council for details). This includes clear
identification of the dog and the methods of restraint that will protect the
community.
The Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 is State legislation which is managed by Municipal Councils. For further information about dog training establishments operating in your municipality contact your Council.
