Domestic Animals Regulations 2025

For the purposes of section 38(2)(a) of the Act, the following requirements for perimeter fencing for a dangerous dog guarding non-residential premises are prescribed—

the fence has a minimum height of 1×8 m;

the fence is constructed of—

brick, concrete, timber, iron or similar solid materials; or

mesh that complies with subregulation (2); or

any combination of those materials referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii);

if the fencing contains gates, the gates are kept locked when the dog is guarding the premises;

the fence is constructed and maintained in a manner which prevents the dog from being able to dig or otherwise escape under, over or through the fencing;

if directed by an authorised officer under subregulation (3), the fence has an inward‑facing overhang of 0×7 m angled at 35 degrees to the horizontal plane.

Mesh used in the construction of perimeter fencing under this regulation must be—

chain mesh manufactured from minimum 3×15 mm diameter wire to form a uniform mesh with a maximum mesh spacing of 50 mm; or

welded mesh manufactured from minimum 4 mm diameter wire with a maximum mesh spacing of 50 mm.

An authorised officer may direct an owner of a non-residential premises where a dangerous dog is kept, to ensure that the perimeter fencing of the premises has an inward-facing overhang of 0×7 m angled at 35 degrees to the horizontal plane, if the officer reasonably believes that the dog has previously escaped over the perimeter of the property.