By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A SPIKE in local dog attacks has Casey Council on the front foot.
The City of Casey has responded to 44 reported dog attacks since 1 January, including one in which a young girl suffered serious injuries to her neck and shoulder, and another where a teenage girl was bitten on the face.
“The attacks have resulted in injuries ranging from minor bruising, puncture wounds, lacerations requiring stitches and in one case the death of an animal,” Casey mayor Sam Aziz said.
“In one instance, a small dog was attacked by two large dogs being walked by a child and young teenager who were unable to control them.
“This serves as a reminder to ensure whoever is walking a dog is able to control them.
“The council is disappointed in the number of attacks this year and is urging all pet owners to take the necessary steps to avoid any more occurring.”
Late last year Star News spoke with Naomi Taguchi, whose small papillon dog Koji died after it was attacked by another dog in Cranbourne.
The offending dog, which resembled a bull mastiff, was euthanased.
Ms Taguchi, who had her young children with her at the time of the attack, sprained her ankle during the incident.
“I started moving to get away and then my legs were pushed out from under me,” she told Star News.
“And the next thing I knew the dog was attacking my dog which was on top of me and I had pulled the pram down with me and my daughters were screaming hanging upside down strapped into the pram.”
Dog attacks can result in fines as large as $18,240, criminal convictions and a jail sentence of up to six months.
“In addition, depending on the severity of the attack, there may be a requirement to destroy the dog responsible for the attack to ensure the future safety of the community,” Cr Aziz said.
“It is important that all pet owners act responsibly and play their part in ensuring that their pets are secured so they don’t pose a risk or threat to the community.
“Most dog attacks that happen outside of the family home are the result of poor fencing or open gates, and often occur close to the dog’s home.
“It is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure that a dog is confined to the owner’s property at all times.”
To report a dog attack contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200, or visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/pets for tips on responsible pet ownership.
