Brisbane, Logan, and Moreton Bay Dog Leash Laws Explained: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

As responsible dog owners, it’s essential to understand your local council’s dog laws—especially when it comes to leash rules and what’s considered “effective control.” These rules aren’t just about avoiding fines; they’re about protecting your dog, the public, wildlife, and ensuring that dogs remain welcome in our shared community spaces.

Recent updates in Brisbane and existing strict regulations in Logan and Moreton Bay mean now is the perfect time to make sure you’re across your obligations—and how training plays a vital role in meeting them.

🧭 Why These Laws Matter

These leash laws exist to:

• Protect dogs from injury, road accidents, or getting lost
• Prevent dog-to-dog or dog-to-human conflicts
• Protect native wildlife and reduce public nuisance complaints
• Promote a safer and more welcoming environment for dogs in public

The good news? With the right training and equipment, you can meet these standards with confidence and ease.

📍 Brisbane City Council – Focus on “Effective Control”

Brisbane City Council has updated its laws to improve community safety. Rather than setting specific leash lengths, it focuses on the principle of effective control.

✅ Key Requirements:

• Dogs must be leashed in public unless in a designated off-leash area.
• A capable person must be holding the leash.
• In off-leash areas, dogs must:
  • Remain within sight at all times
  • Respond immediately to verbal cues
  • Not harass, threaten, or annoy others

💰 Updated Penalties (as of July 2024):

• Not keeping your dog under effective control: $806
• Failure to control a regulated dog: $1,613
• If your dog injures another animal: $2,419

Visit Brisbane City Council for more

📍 Logan City Council – Strict Leash Length Rules

Logan takes a firmer stance with defined leash regulations that dog owners must follow.

✅ Key Requirements:

• Dogs in public must be leashed with a lead no longer than 2 metres
• The leash must be held by a physically capable person
• Tethered dogs must be under direct supervision
• In transport, dogs must be secured and unable to reach outside the vehicle

💰 Fines:

• Breach of control or lead length: $483
• Injury caused by your dog: $2,419

Read Logan Council’s full pet laws

📍 Moreton Bay City Council – Control Over Length

While Moreton Bay doesn’t prescribe a set maximum lead length, the emphasis is still firmly on effective control.

✅ Key Requirements:

• Dogs must be leashed in all public areas, unless in a designated off-leash zone
• The person walking the dog must be capable of maintaining control
• In off-leash areas, your dog must remain within sight and under reliable voice control

View Moreton Bay’s Off-Leash Map

🔍 What Is “Effective Control” in Practice?

The term “effective control” is used by all three councils and refers to more than just holding a lead.

Real-world examples:

Situation	Control Status
Dog walking beside you on a short leash	✅ Under control
Dog pulling toward another dog or person	❌ Not under control
Dog off-leash but returns instantly when called	✅ Under control
Dog ignores recall and runs toward others	❌ Not under control

A dog is only under effective control if it responds to your commands quickly and reliably—and is close enough for you to manage its behaviour if needed.

🦴 Are Long Leads or Retractable Leads Allowed?

We explore this in more detail in our dedicated blog on retractable leads, but here’s a summary:

✅ Long Training Leads (5–15m)

Useful for:

• Recall training
• Controlled exploration in safe areas
• Use in off-leash dog parks or training grounds

Not suitable for:

• On-leash public paths or shared-use areas
• High foot traffic or narrow walking trails

⚠️ Retractable Leads

While popular, these leads often:

• Exceed council-approved lengths (especially in Logan)
• Offer less reliable control in sudden situations
• Increase the risk of injury or tangling

Jordan Dog Training recommends fixed-length leads between 1.2–2 metres for general walking.

🐾 What Are Regulated Dogs?

Some dogs are classified under Queensland law as “regulated,” meaning they have additional handling and containment requirements. These include:

• Declared dangerous or menacing dogs
• Restricted breeds (e.g. American Pit Bull Terriers)

These dogs:

• Must never be off-leash in public
• Must be muzzled and wearing a special collar
• Are subject to strict containment laws

If unsure, check with your local council.

🎓 The Role of Training in Compliance

Leash laws only work if your dog has the training to meet the expectations. At Jordan Dog Training, our programs are designed to help your dog:

• Walk calmly on a lead
• Return reliably when called
• Remain under control in distracting environments

Whether you’re just starting out or need support with reactivity or advanced recall, our accredited trainers are here to help.

👉 Learn more about our Obedience Classes

✅ Best Practices at a Glance

• ✔ Use a lead under 2 metres in Logan and in all public areas for better control
• ✔ Keep your dog close and calm when passing others
• ✔ Avoid retractable leads in busy spaces
• ✔ Practice regular recall and lead manners training
• ✔ Know your council’s rules—fines can be steep
• ✔ Choose safe and appropriate gear for your dog’s size and strength

🐶 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re walking your dog through New Farm Park, around Logan Central, or along Redcliffe foreshore, being a responsible dog owner means understanding the rules and being prepared to meet them.

At Jordan Dog Training, we’re here to support you with the tools, training, and guidance you need to enjoy your dog—safely, respectfully, and with confidence.

📍 Explore our Obedience Classes

📧 Contact us if you’d like to speak with one of our trainers about lead manners or off-leash recall.

And as always—give your dog a pat from us.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary or legal advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified vet or your local council. If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour or your responsibilities under local laws, we recommend speaking directly with your council or a professional trainer.