Council said recent court findings for a Greater Shepparton resident highlighted dog owners’ responsibility to keep their animals under control and on a leash while in parks and reserves.
The case it referred to was about a 50kg American bulldog that attacked a small leashed cavoodle in Mooroopna while it was off its leash for a swim.
The bulldog’s owner pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to having a dog at large between sunrise and sunset, being a person in control of a dog who rushed a person, being a person in control of a dog that attacked causing serious injury, being a person in control of a dog that attacked causing non-serious injury, and failing to register a dog.
She was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for two years with no conviction. She was also ordered to pay $9752 to council for the dog’s extended impoundment while awaiting a decision, vaccinations and court costs.
Council said the incident was one of many dog attacks over the past 12 months in Greater Shepparton and that while attacks could cause injuries to people and other animals, they also caused distress to victims.
Council environment manager Sharon Terry said it was dog owners’ responsibility to care for their animals, and irresponsible choices, such as providing inadequate fencing or allowing their dogs to wander or run off leash, could end in attacks.
“Council continue to take all steps available to ensure community safety, including prosecuting those who fail to adhere to the Domestic Animals Act 1994, when a dog attack occurs,” she said.
“It is important that community members are aware of the costs associated with a prosecution like this.
“The costs to the dog owner are substantial. The dogs are impounded until the outcome of the prosecution is known and the costs awarded can be very high, depending on the circumstances.”
Aside from the financial cost, she said the dog could be euthanised or declared a dangerous or menacing dog.
“If a declared dog attacks a person, endangering their life or causing death, the owner may be charged under the Crimes Act and face possible imprisonment of up to 10 years jail,” Ms Terry said.
She said the court case’s outcome was a timely reminder for residents to register their dogs, keep them secure inside homes and yards, and always ensure they were on a lead in public areas.
“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring their dogs and our community remain safe and protected at all times,” Ms Terry said.
Anyone involved in or witnessing a dog attack can phone council’s animal management team on 5832 9700 to report it.
For more information on responsible pet ownership, visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/
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