By Alesha Capone
Reports of dog attacks in Wyndham more than quadrupled in the past year, according to council figures.
The council’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said that between January and December, the council received reports of 198 dog attacks – 69 reports were of dog attacks on people and 129 were attacks on animals.
In 2018, the council received reports of 47 dog attacks. There were 64 reported in 2017.
Mr Thorpe said there are currently nine dangerous dogs and 17 menacing dogs registered with the council.
“Once there has been a report of a dog attack, rangers will investigate the alleged attack and determine if an attack has occurred,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Rangers speak with the victims, witnesses, and the dog owner, and locate the dog believed to be involved.”
Mr Thorpe said all dogs in Wyndham must be kept on a lead in public areas, unless they were a designated off-lead area.
“If council declares a dog ‘dangerous’, it means they could be guard dogs or a dog that has attacked an animal or a person, causing serious injury,” he said.
“Council classifies a dog as ‘menacing’ when the dog causes minor injury to an animal or person, or rushes at a person.
“There are currently nine dangerous dogs and 17 menacing dogs registered with council.
“Owners of menacing dogs are legally obliged to obey strict housing and safety controls for the dogs.
“The animals are monitored by council officers.”
On July 15 last year, a 17-year-old Jack Russell-chihuahua cross was euthanised after being attacked in Hampstead Drive, Hoppers Crossing.
The dog, named Minnie, was being walked by her elderly owner when a dog on the loose – described looking like as a black staffy – attacked.
In a separate incident on June 17 last year, a woman who was walking her dog in Sycamore Street, Hoppers Crossing, was taken to Werribee Mercy Hospital after being mauled by another dog.
Mr Thorpe said the council delivered a range of initiatives and programs which encourage responsible pet ownership, including its annual Pet and Animal Expo, the Register to Reunite program and dog off-lead areas.
