Australian injury guide
Dog Bites and Animal-Related Injuries
Obtain treatment first. State and local rules differ, so record the animal, owner, location and circumstances rather than assuming that one national rule applies.
Identify the animal and owner safely
Record names, addresses and registration details if available without escalating the situation. Report urgent public-safety concerns to the appropriate council or police channel.
Keep injury and scene evidence
Retain medical records, photographs of the injury and setting, damaged clothing, witness details and any council report number.
Record the circumstances neutrally
Note whether the animal was restrained, the type of place, signs, gates, the interaction and anything said at the time. Avoid conclusions that the evidence does not establish.
Check work and occupier overlap
A delivery worker or contractor may also have a workers compensation pathway. An injury at premises can raise questions about both animal control and the occupier.
Sources and scope
Australian Government — state and territory local government directories ↗
Sources checked 25 September 2026. General information only. Check current state or territory legislation, scheme guidance and individual advice before acting on a time limit.