By Danielle Kutchel
A Narre Warren woman was forced to watch in horror as her dogs were attacked by a neighbour’s dog in her own house.
Stephanie Korosa’s 14-year-old cavalier and four-year-old mastiff were allegedly attacked by her neighbour’s American staffy while she was out of the house.
Ms Korosa said she had left her dogs asleep on her bed while she did the school run on Monday 29 March.
She said when she arrived home, she knew something was wrong when she heard the dogs barking.
Entering her house, she said she saw the neighbour’s dog in her room, tossing her dogs around.
“I yelled for help. This went on for 25 minutes. It was agonising,” she said.
“[My neighbour] walked in with a broom. I was screaming and trying to break it up.
“It was tossing my dog around like a ragdoll, it was like a crocodile with prey.”
Even with the two of them there, Ms Korosa said they couldn’t break the dog’s hold.
She alleged it had smashed through her fence palings and gotten into the house through her back sliding door.
“It’s my worst nightmare,” she said.
She was in contact with neighbours immediately after the attack but hasn’t heard from them since.
She said the neighbour has not offered to assist with vet bills or take responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, Ms Korosa’s vet bill has hit more than $2000.
After the attack, she contacted the council – and was stunned by their response.
After being assured the neighbour’s dog would be seized, she said the council told her that would not happen and no action would be taken.
“All of a sudden there’s no case, because they can’t determine who bit who first,” she said.
“I’m so frustrated.”
Ms Korosa said her own dogs are still in pain and suffering from anxiety, and she is considering her legal options.
“It’s not about the money, it’s not about the vet bills, it’s the principles and the morals,” she said.
“Take responsibility, take ownership, be empathetic.”
Daniel Osborne, manager safer communities at the City of Casey, said the alleged incident was being investigated.
“All dog attack investigations are completed within the framework set out under Sec 29 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. As there were no witnesses to the incident, Council has been unable to take further action,” he said, asking anyone with information to contact the City of Casey on 9705 5200.
The RSPCA confirmed the alleged attack does not fall under its jurisdiction as it is responsible for investigating acts of cruelty by people towards animals.
