Unsolved dog attack

LIA BICHEL
A MAN attacked by a dog two weeks ago is urging people to keep their pets on leads.
About 4.30pm on 14 April, Doveton resident Andrew, who asked not to use his last name, was walking his Red Heeler Sasha on Gunns Road Hallam when they were both rushed at by an American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffy) which was not on a lead.
Andrew said Sasha was mauled and when he tried to protect her, he was bitten on the leg by the Staffy.
“That dog would have killed my dog if I didn’t step in,” Andrew said.
“I was in shock after it happened and didn’t even realize I had been bitten until I got home.”
Andrew said a man he believed to be the owner of the Staffy was with a small child and witnessed the incident, but left the area with the dog and did not provide a name, number or offer any help.
Andrew said he had to pay $2000 since the attack on veterinary bills for Sasha and medical bills for himself. He also had to take three days off work to nurse his wounds.
Andrew said he will have to go back to hospital for further treatment and urged other resident to keep their dogs on leads to prevent future attacks.
In 2011, there were 383 reported dog attacks and rushes and 816 reports of dogs at large in the City of Casey.
An attack is defined as when a dog actually makes contact with a person or animal with its mouth and bites the victim, or makes contact in some way of an aggressive nature.
A rush is defined as when a dog rushes at a victim with the intent of attacking and gets to within three meters of the intended victim, but does not actually make contact.
City of Casey Manager Community Safety Caroline Bell said that if people witness a dog at large they should report the matter to council by phoning 9705 5200 for Local Laws to investigate.
“When phoning council please supply as much information about the dog as possible, for example breed, coat colour, size, collar colour etc. as well as location of the dog and if possible the address of where the dog comes from,” Ms Bell said.
“This information will enable Local Laws to follow up and provide information and education about responsible pet ownership.”
A spokesperson for Casey Council said police were continuing to investigate this attack and council was supporting the investigation.