Dangerous Dog Lawyers

Dangerous Dog Declarations and prosections for alleged dog attacks can have serious consequences for dog owners and their beloved pets.

If you receive a Notice of Proposed Dog Dangerous Declaration or are faced with a 'dog attack' prosecution, it is important to obtain advice from criminal lawyers who specialise in defending prosecutions under the Companion Animals Act.

Why our 'Dangerous Dog' Lawyers?

Sydney Criminal Lawyers is the most experienced and successful law firm in 'dangerous dog' and 'dog attack' cases in NSW

(See also our main website www.criminallaw.com.au/companion_animals_act ).   

Our criminal lawyers are passionate defenders of pet owner rights and have in-depth knowledge of the rules, regulations and case-law relating to prosecutions under the Companion Animals Act.

We act for clients throughout NSW and can accurately advise you of your rights and options when faced with a prosecution under the Act. 

If you have been contacted by Council or served with papers, we can provide you with the strongest available representation in these types of cases.

We will be your voice when you feel you don't have one.

Our Experience

Over more than a decade, Sydney Criminal Lawyers has developed methods and procedures to deal with Companion Animals Act cases.

We regularly conduct successful defences to these prosecutions; often having legal costs awarded in favour of clients in cases where they are brought 'without reasonable basis' or 'in bad faith'.

In 'dog attack' cases, we often have 'seized dogs' quickly returned to their owners and matters ultimately dismissed in Court.

We frequently persuade Councils to withdraw prosecutions on various grounds, or to replace very serious criminal charges (eg 'dog attack' under section 16 or 'encourage to attack' under s17) with far less serious 'Penalty Notices' carrying fines only.

We regularly convince Councils not to issue 'Dangerous Dog Declarations' to owners upon whom a 'Notice of Intention to Declare Dog Dangerous' has been served. 

This is done by writing a 'letter of objection' to Council within 7 days of receiving a Notice of Intention to Declare Dog Dangerous. It often helps if the letter includes a 'temperament assessment' and 'undertakings to council'.

We can refer you to the most respected 'temperament assessors' in NSW; including assessors who train Council Rangers.

We can also draft the 'letter of objection' and 'undertakings' on your behalf; which can include a promise to always keep your dog on a leash, to ensure your backyard is properly secure and to only allow adults to walk your dog.

We regularly have 'Dangerous Dog Declarations' revoked (cancelled); which is done by applying to the Local Court within 28 days or to the 'Council in which the dog is ordinarily kept' more than 12 months after the declation is made. Council will be more willing to revoke a Dangerous Dog Declaration if  'Control Orders' are agreed; which are similar to 'undertakings' but are made by a Court.

We regularly advise animal welfare organisations and Councils of the rights and responsibilities of pet owners under the Companion Animals Act and its regulations.

In fact, we are recognised by Councils and other lawyers as experts in the field and formidable advocates in court.

Law Society of NSW Accredited Criminal Law Specialists.

Benefit from the Expertise. Trust in our Experience.

Criminal Lawyers Email Form »