A four-year control order involving television presenter Karl Stefanovic’s German shepherd has renewed attention on dog control in Neutral Bay, where North Sydney Council recorded 54 alleged dog attacks in its latest annual reporting period.
The alleged dog attack on Military Road in Neutral Bay has resulted in the control order involving Chance, the German shepherd owned by Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic. Published accounts citing court documents say the incident involved an attack on a person and another dog, with the person’s injury described as serious.
North Sydney Council had issued Chance with a dangerous dog declaration before the decision was challenged in the Local Court. Published reports of the court outcome say the declaration was revoked under a consent resolution and replaced with a four-year control order requiring restrictions on Chance in public and at home.
North Sydney recorded 54 alleged attacks in a year
Dog attacks already form part of North Sydney Council’s animal-management workload. Council’s 2024-25 annual report records 54 reports of alleged dog attack incidents during the financial year, with all of them reported to the NSW Office of Local Government as required.
Council describes North Sydney as a dog-friendly area, with dogs permitted in many parks and reserves subject to local restrictions. Owners and dog walkers remain responsible for keeping animals under effective control, including in designated off-leash areas.
Four-year order sets conditions for Chance
Under the reported terms of the order, Chance must be muzzled and kept on a leash when walked in public. Court documents also state that the dog must undergo behavioural or socialisation training with a qualified expert within six months, and that evidence of completion must be provided to North Sydney Council.
Conditions reported for the property where Chance is kept include secure containment and a warning sign. The order also reportedly prevents the dog from being left in the care of anyone under 18.
NSW law allows a court to make a control order requiring an owner to take measures intended to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a dog attacking or injuring a person or animal. Section 47 of the Companion Animals Act 1998 specifically provides for measures including behavioural or socialisation training and responsible pet ownership training.
Control orders are separate from dangerous dog declarations under NSW law. Owners of dogs that remain formally declared dangerous face statutory requirements covering registration, desexing, adult supervision and secure containment, as well as muzzle and leash requirements when the dog is outside its prescribed enclosure.
Courts can also make destruction orders in specified circumstances, but destruction is not an automatic consequence of a dangerous dog declaration. The Act requires a court, in relevant cases, to consider whether a control order or permanent removal from the owner would be sufficient to protect the public before ordering a dog destroyed.
What to do if a dog attacks
North Sydney Council asks anyone who witnesses a dog attack on a person or animal, or is attacked by a dog, to report the incident to council rangers as soon as possible. Residents making a report are asked to provide the location, date, and time; a description of the dog and owner, if known; and photographs or other available evidence.
Published 8-Sept-2026
