PITBULL ID & "VCAT" WHO MADE THE "STANDARD" ???

31st January 2014 New Standard in relation to Restricted Breed Dogs: Please note that a new version of the Standard for restricted breed dogs in Victoria will commence on 31st January 2014. 

The changes to the Standard were introduced in the Government Special Gazette No. S22 dated 31st January 2014. Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, approved the new standard, under section 3(3) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, to assist Authorised Officers of Council in identifying dogs to be of a restricted breed for the purpose of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. 

At 12am on 31st January 2014, the new Standard replaces the Standard as gazetted in the Victoria Government Gazette No. S283 on 1 September 2011. Key Change to the Standard is the linear approach: 

The linear approach for assessment of a dog under the new Standard is the principal process of using a step by step process in the assessment of a dog. · 

Before an assessment of a dog can be completed, the authorised officer must determine if any exemptions exist.

 If any one of the exemptions exists an authorised officer is prevented from conducting an assessment and the dog must not be declared a restricted breed dog. ·

 If no exemptions exist a Council Officer may begin the assessment by first measuring and weighing the dog in accord with the conformation criterion. 

If the dog substantially meets 3 of the 5 conformation criterion the authorised officer may continue the assessment. ·

 If the dog substantially meets 10 of the 18 major physical characteristics found in American Pit Bull Terriers the authorised officer may continue the assessment. · 

If a dog substantially meets 10 of the 19 supplementary physical characteristics provided in the Standard an authorised officer can then decide if the dog is to be declared under the Act. 

A copy of the Gazetted Standard can be obtained from http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/ A range of relevant information, can be downloaded from www.depi.vic.gov.au/pets

 For further information please phone the DEPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit the DEPI website www.depi.vic.gov.au/pets 

Thank you for your time Bureau of Animal Welfare 

| Department of Environment and Primary Industries 475 Mickleham Rd, Attwood, Victoria 3220 T: 03 9217 4200 | F: 03 9217 4416 | E: animal.welfare@depi.vic.gov.au 

http://www.vetboard.vic.gov.au/docs/140131%20DEPI%20New%20Standard%20Restricted%20Dog%20Breed.pdf