By Brendan Rees
A couple whose beloved pooch was injured at a Berwick park after tripping over a burrow-like hole suspect hoons are to blame.
Kira, a 12-year-old rescue border collie cross kelpie is recovering after tripping over a three to four centimetre deep hole at Hugh Hodson Reserve on Monday 15 June about 1pm.
Owner Caroline Tsaganas, who was with her husband at the reserve, said they had to carry their injured pet home before taking her to a vet who gave her anti-inflammatory medication.
“They said if it doesn’t get better by itself after a week or so we’ll need to consider surgery,” Ms Tsaganas said.
“She’s pretty much locked away in the house. She’s not allowed to jump, run, which is completely against her breed.”
The couple have ruled out a ride-on-mower as the cause of the incident and believe hooning vehicles had ripped up the park due to the tyre marks left behind.
While the couple say they haven’t seen vehicles at the park they do hear burn-outs at night.
“I reckon they need to install bollards because that park is completely open,” Ms Tsaganas said.
“We don’t blame the council obviously, that’s not something they can control.”
Casey council’s manager of city and asset planning Keri New said council had not received any reports about anti-social hoon behaviour at Hugh Hodson Reserve.
“An inspection of the reserve is now underway and any restoration works will be undertaken as needed,” she said.
Meanwhile, the couple’s four-year-old son has been “really concerned” about Kira’s injury and always comforts her with a “big cuddle”.
“When they’re in pain you just feel so helpless,” Ms Tsaganas said.
But she said Kira, who had arthritis, “seemed to be walking a bit better now but it is a bit hard for her to get up”.
“That’s just something we’re keeping an eye on.”
Anyone who witnesses an incident or has information about people driving in a careless or irresponsible manner are urged to contact Victoria Police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
