Preventing dog attacks in our community

Published on 08 May 2018

Council is asking dog owners to check their pets are adequately confined to their properties following a series of recent dog attacks.

Over March and April Council officers responded to 13 reports of dog attacks, some which were very serious where livestock, wildlife and pets were injured and/or killed.

Council’s Manager Community Safety, Anne-Louise Linder said while the number of attacks had not increased, the seriousness of the attacks were of great concern to Council rangers.

“For the safety of your pet and others, please ensure your dog is adequately confined to your property,” Ms Lindner said.

“That means closing and locking your gate so there is no chance for someone to leave the gate open and regularly checking there are no gaps in your fence where the dog can escape.

Ms Lindner also encouraged residents to report wandering animals to Council.

“In a number of cases where dogs have attacked other animals, officers have discovered after the incident that the dog or dogs have been seen wandering before, but this had not been reported to Council.

“If you see a dog wandering, especially if it is displaying threatening behaviour, please call Council immediately to report the dog so we can try and prevent an incident from occurring,” she said.

Ms Lindner said all dogs can be territorial and pose a danger to the public.

“Most dog attacks in public occur on the footpath or road in front of the dog’s property. All dogs have the potential to become aggressive when defending their property and Council has a duty of care to the community to ensure dogs are adequately confined,” she said.

For further information on dog attack prevention or on responsible pet ownership, contact Council on 5422 0333 or visit the State Government’s Responsible Pet Ownership website.