Berwick resident Rose is warning the community to keep an eye out for wandering leashless dogs, after her pure-bred Corgi was recently attacked in a park.
By Kelly Yates
AN ELDERLY Berwick woman is warning the community to keep an eye out for wandering leashless dogs, after her pure-bred Corgi was recently attacked in a park.
Rose Nettleton said a friend was walking her dog, Sue, through Buchanan Park in Berwick when a pit bull terrier came out of nowhere and grabbed nine-year-old Sue by the neck.
Ms Nettleton said the owner of the leashless dog raced over and started beating his dog with a chain, while Sue escaped and ran across peak-hour traffic on Clyde Road in an effort to get home.
“Those types of dogs are dangerous and need to be muzzled at all times,” Ms Nettleton said. The Fiddlers Green resident said she was concerned that the dogs could turn on children.
“If they can attack another dog, what’s stopping them from attacking children?” she said.
The 85-year-old said this was the first time her beloved dog had been mauled by another dog.
“My dog is my best friend and companion and for her to be hurt that way is very distressing.”
Sue spent a day at the local veterinary clinic and is now on the road to a full recovery.
City of Casey manager customer service Rob Colling said council had not noticed a growing trend in dogs being at large.
He said that under Casey’s Local Law 2, a person must not allow an animal to be at large in any public place.
“The owner of an animal and the owner of land upon which that animal is kept must ensure that the animal is kept on land that is adequately fenced so as to prevent the animal being at large,” he said.
There are a number of council parks and reserves within the City of Casey where dogs can be walked off leash; however, the dog must be under effective control, according to Mr Colling.
Residents are urged to report all dogs at large to council by phoning 9705 5200.
