Zero tolerance to dog attacks

Published on 16 April 2024

Hepburn Shire Council has issued infringement notices for matters relating to responsible pet ownership after a number of reported dog attacks. Chief Executive Officer, Bradley Thomas, said that in the past fortnight, infringement notices had been issued for two dog attacks and several dogs at large.

“Our Community Safety team play an important role in educating our community on how to keep their pets and the public safe. We encourage anyone who has been attacked by a dog in a public place to report this to a member of our team.”

“Pet owners have a responsibility for ensuring their dogs are contained to their properties.  If you are in public places not designated as an off-leash area, dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times,” said Mr Thomas. “We appreciate that the majority of pet owners in our Shire are doing the right thing. Our Community Safety team are keen to work with pet owners on keeping them contained and safe.”

If you own any dogs, you may have the following responsibilities as a pet owner:

• All dogs over the age of 12 weeks must be registered

• Ensure all dogs are under effective control when out in public

• Please pick up after your dog when out in public

• Dogs must be securely confined to your property

• All dog owners are reminded to consider your neighbours, please don't allow your dog to bark and cause a noise nuisance

For more information on responsible pet ownership -  https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Residents/Animals/Responsible-pet-ownership