Received a Notice of Intent to Declare Your Dog Dangerous or Menacing?

Independent Behavioural Assessments for Council investigations and proposed Dangerous Dog and Menacing Dog declarations.

Receiving a Notice of Intent to Declare your dog Dangerous or Menacing can be frightening.

You have limited time to respond, and one option available to you is to obtain an independent Behavioural Assessment that assist Council in considering your objection.

I conduct independent Behavioural Assessments for owners whose dogs are facing proposed Dangerous Dog or Menacing Dog declarations throughout Sydney.

Every assessment is objective, evidence-based, and written in the interests of public safety.

Before booking an assessment, I recommend we have a brief discussion to determine whether a Behavioural Assessment is likely to assist in your particular circumstances..

Book a Consultation

Contact Mark

What Is a Behavioural Assessment?

A Behavioural Assessment (sometimes called a Temperament Assessment) is an independent professional evaluation of your dog's behaviour, history, and level of risk.

Councils may consider a Behavioural Assessment when deciding whether a proposed Dangerous Dog or Menacing Dog declaration should proceed.

The assessment is not an advocacy document.

Its purpose is to provide Council with an objective, evidence-based opinion about your dog's behaviour and any factors that may have contributed to the incident.

The report may include:

Behavioural history
Assessment related to the reported incident
Structured behavioural observations
Risk assessment
Professional opinion

Each assessment is written independently and without bias toward either the owner or Council.

This Isn’t About Guessing or Quick Fixes

When behaviour involves aggression, risk, or past incidents,

surface-level advice often isn’t enough.

A proper dog behaviour assessment looks at:

What your dog is experiencing
Why the behaviour is happening
What factors are influencing it
What will realistically help in your situation

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

This is structured, practical guidance built around your dog, your environment, and your goals.

Is a Behavioural Assessment

Right for Your Situation?

Not every case benefits from a Behavioural Assessment.

Before accepting an assessment, I prefer to discuss your circumstances to determine whether it is likely to provide meaningful evidence.

If I don't believe an assessment is likely to assist your case, I'll tell you.

Likewise, I cannot guarantee that an assessment will support an owner's position.

My responsibility is to provide an independent professional opinion—not simply write reports that people hope Council wants to read.

That independence is one reason Behavioural Assessments carry weight.

This Isn’t About Guessing or Quick Fixes

When behaviour involves aggression, risk, or past incidents,

surface-level advice often isn’t enough.

A proper dog behaviour assessment looks at:

What your dog is experiencing
Why the behaviour is happening
What factors are influencing it
What will realistically help in your situation

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

This is structured, practical guidance built around your dog, your environment, and your goals.

Where a Behavioural Assessment Fits

1. Receive Your Notice of Intent

You receive a Notice of Intent to Declare from Council.

2. Contact me for an initial discussion

We'll talk about the incident and whether a Behavioural Assessment is appropriate.

3. Behavioural Assessment

History.

Behaviour testing.

Riak assessment.

4. Written report

You'll receive an independent Behavioural Assessment.

The report belongs to you.

5. You decide

You choose whether to submit the report to Council as part of your objection.

6. Council Decision

Council considers all available information before deciding whether to proceed with the declaration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly should I contact you after receiving a Notice of Intent?

As soon as possible. Owners usually have only a limited period in which to lodge an objection with Council. Contacting me early gives us time to discuss your circumstances and determine whether a Behavioural Assessment is appropriate before that deadline.

Can you guarantee Council won't declare my dog Dangerous or Manacing?

No.

Council makes that decision.

My role is to provide an independent professional assessment—not to determine the outcome.

Will every assessment support the owner's case?

No.

Some assessments identify behavioural concerns that support Council's position.

Every report reflects my honest professional opinion.

What if my dog has already been declared?

I currently provide Behavioural Assessments only where a Dangerous Dog or Menacing Dog declaration has been proposed, but not yet finalised.

Do I have to submit the report?

No.

The completed report belongs to you.

Whether it is submitted to Council is entirely your decision.

Can you appear as an expert witness?

Yes.

Where appropriate, I am available to provide independent expert witness services relating to canine behaviour and risk assessment.

Why Experience Matters

Behavioural Assessments carry significant responsibility.

The conclusions reached may influence decisions affecting public safety, legal proceedings, and the future of a dog.

For that reason, it's important the assessment is conducted by someone with appropriate qualifications, practical behaviour experience, and an understanding of the legislative process surrounding Dangerous Dog and Menacing Dog declarations.

Behavioural Assessments prepared for proposed Dangerous Dog and Menacing Dog declarations require an understanding of both canine behaviour and the legislative framework in which Councils make their decisions.