​Mr Rob Spence, MAV CEO said that since August some councils had been inundated with direct queries from members of the public, in addition to matters reported through the central dangerous dogs hotline.

“As well as fielding high numbers of queries, owners have voluntarily surrendered dogs they suspect of being a restricted breed or requested a council assessment for cross breeds, plus many tip offs have been received.

“The Government’s quick response to the recent tragic death following a pit bull attack in St Albans has certainly raised awareness in the community and prompted people to act.

“However, there remain ongoing concerns about people who still have unregistered dogs that may be restricted breeds, and owners who deliberately register their dog as a similar unrestricted breed.

“Based on reports provided to us by councils, many outer suburban areas have a significantly increased workload that simply outstrips available council resources.

“The MAV is working with the Victorian Government to ensure additional resources are initially directed to those municipalities with the greatest need. We also need urgent development of guidelines to support councils’ use of the new visual standard for restricted breed dogs released earlier this month.

“Given the inherent difficulties in determining a restricted breed by its physical appearance, it’s vital to establish a common approach using a checklist, point scoring system, DNA testing or other supportive measures,” he said.

Five breeds of dog are classified as restricted, with the American Pit Bull Terrier known to exist across Victoria. A restricted breed cannot be imported into Australia or to Victoria from interstate, but may be kept if it was registered by 29 September 2011 (as any breed) and has lived in the state prior to 1 September 2010.

Mr Spence said that from tomorrow councils would have the power to seize and destroy unregistered restricted breed dogs after due legal process, which includes an owner’s right to appeal.

“It’s important for people to understand that an unregistered restricted breed dog won’t be immediately destroyed unless the owner agrees or if it’s found at large and poses an imminent threat to the community.

“Councils have been reviewing their databases to identify where extra resources may be needed to ensure that dogs are correctly registered, particularly where an animal is suspected of being a restricted breed.

“There’s a high volume of registrations that may need to be checked over the coming months and beyond, particularly for American Staffordshires and other related cross breeds.

“It’s essential that the police work closely with councils to ensure the safety of staff given that some municipal officers have already received threats when they’ve tried to establish whether a dog is a restricted breed.

“Investigations will be ongoing and enforcement action will be taken where appropriate to ensure communities are safe and restricted breed dogs are only kept in accordance with strict conditions,” he said.

For information on restricted breeds and dangerous dogs visit the Department of Primary Industries website.

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Contact the MAV CEO Rob Spence on 0418 132 573 or MAV Communications on 03 9667 5521.