Australian Capital Territory Consolidated Acts Australian Capital Territory Consolidated Acts(1) A carer with a dog must not, without reasonable excuse, allow the dog to attack or harass a person or animal.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2) The keeper of a dog commits an offence if the dog attacks or harasses a person or animal when it is not with a carer.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2), it is a defence if—
(a) the defendant establishes that the person or animal provoked the dog; or
(b) the person or animal was attacked or harassed because the dog came to the aid of its keeper, or another person or animal that the dog could reasonably be expected to protect; or
(c) if the attack or harassment was on premises occupied by the defendant, the defendant establishes that—
(i) the person was on the premises without reasonable excuse; or
(ii) the person failed to take reasonable care for the person's own safety.
(4) If the keeper or a carer of a dog is convicted, or found guilty, of an offence against this section—
(a) the court must order that the dog be destroyed, unless satisfied there are special circumstances that justify not doing so; or
(b) if the court is satisfied that there are special circumstances—
(i) declare the dog to be a dangerous dog; and
(ii) order the dog and its keeper complete an approved course in behavioural or socialisation training for the dog.