Choke chains are not universally illegal across all of Australia; the laws vary by state and territory. While their importation is not technically illegal (though prong collars are), their use may be prohibited or subject to general animal cruelty legislation depending on your location.
Short answer: No--choke chains are neither the safest nor the most humane option for the vast majority of dogs. They can cause physical injury, escalate fear or reactivity, and teach undesirable behavior patterns. Safer, evidence-based alternatives produce better long-term results.
Choke collars, prong collars and slip leads
The use of prong collars is banned in some jurisdictions, eg Victoria. As well as the psychological risks of using these collars, there are physical dangers to an animal when owners use this equipment.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Perro de Presa Canario are the dog breeds banned in Australia.
Section 8 of the Animal Welfare Act 1993 (updated on 30 November 2022) prohibits the use of pronged collars on animals.
The dog might still find the tool aversive but lets just leave this topic for another time. If a trainer uses check chains, prong collars or shock collars he is prepared to inflict pain, intimidate and bully the dog. That is these trainers choice and there is, unfortunately, no law against it.
Australia enforces some of the world's strictest exotic pet laws due to its unique environment and biosecurity priorities. Legal requirements for owning unusual pets vary dramatically by state, territory, and even local council—licensing, species bans, and welfare rules differ widely.
All introduced mammal species are prohibited as pets unless listed as exceptions. A sample of these prohibited mammals include: foxes • squirrels • ferrets/polecats/stoats • rabbits • hamsters • monkeys/marmosets • gerbils • weasels • dingoes.
You need to report the incident to the police who will carry out an investigation. The courts have the power to order that the dog is kept under proper control by enforcing the owner to take reasonable measures such as muzzling or neutering, or in certain cases they may be destroyed.
Yes, the Cane Corso is legal to own in Australia, as it's not on prohibited breed lists, but owners must comply with state/council laws, especially regarding "dangerous dog" regulations, secure fencing, and muzzling in public if the dog is deemed high-risk, with a strong emphasis on experienced handling and training.
In most cases this means unless you are a farmer, you are only allowed to keep 2 dogs and 2 cats on your property. If you want to keep more than 2 dogs or 2 cats, you need to apply for a permit and abide by the conditions on the permit.
Call your vet
This should be one of the first things you do if the event is unexpected. Your vet can help you through the process and give you options and an explanation on where to go from there. They will also take the body if you wish to have a necropsy.
Shock collars have a mixed legal status in Australia; they are illegal in some states (NSW, SA, ACT) but permitted under strict regulations or generally legal in others (QLD, VIC, WA, TAS, NT), with rules often focusing on prohibiting painful remote-controlled shocks while allowing them for containment systems or under professional guidance, according to. State laws vary, with some allowing only specific types (vibration/spray) or requiring conditions like use by qualified trainers.
Consistent with their commitment to 'force-free' training and pet care methods, the Pet Professional Guild, the Association of Force Free Dog Training and Pet Care Professionals (PPG), does not support the use of choke and prong collars and, rather, recommends the use of flat buckle collars, head halters, harnesses and ...
Try to immobilise the dog against a solid object, such as a wall, if the dog is on a lead. Walk away slowly, avoiding eye contact but not turning your back and not making any sudden movements if the dog stops attacking.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
Most dogs that bite do not need to be put down.
You should use modern no-harm training methods and take proper precautions when your dog is around others. However, if the attack leads to a criminal charge, the court may determine the dog is a danger to public safety and may require that they be euthanised.
What do I do if I've been attacked by a dog?
If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty, your healthcare professional may recommend a booster. Get a booster shot within 48 hours of your injury. If the wound was caused by a cat or a dog, try to confirm that its rabies vaccination is up to date.
Pit Bulls and Pit Bull-type breeds have a reputation for being aggressive, and they are banned or controlled in many countries, including Australia. Along with Presa Canarios, Dogo Argentinos, Japanese Tosas, Fila Brasileiros, and wolfdog hybrids, Pit Bulls are banned in Australia.
Australia is home to a large variety of plants, birds, reptiles and iconic animals such as kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, wallabies and more. But not all can live up to the title of the world's most loveable and happiest animal quite like Western Australia's famous quokkas.
Banned Breeds That Must Be Muzzled
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans four breeds in the UK - Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros. Dogs that are suspected to be one of these breeds must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, even if they are well-trained and non-aggressive.
An introduced predator, feral cats have contributed to the extinction of at least 28 mammal species, wreak havoc on threatened animals and plants on the brink of extinction, kill over 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs and 1.1 billion invertebrates in Australia each year, and are a recognised threat ...
Australia is largely "empty" due to its harsh, arid interior (the Outback) dominated by deserts and extreme heat, making it difficult to farm and sustain large populations, leading most people to settle in the fertile, temperate coastal regions where colonization began and resources are more accessible, with over 85% of the population living along the east and southwest coasts.
While there's no single "most" dog-friendly state, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales consistently rank high due to abundant pet-friendly beaches, parks, eateries, and relaxed travel rules, with South Australia often cited for its stunning, deserted dog beaches, Victoria for public transport access (with muzzle/leash), and NSW/QLD for overall lifestyle and coastal options, though National Parks often restrict dogs.