The owner of three German shepherds has been forced to muzzle his dogs after they attacked a postman and other members of the public.
Paul Hounslow was visiting a friend in Hoppers Crossing in May last year and had left the home for a period when his dogs escaped.
The three dogs rushed at a member of Australia Post and one bit his leg. The three dogs then chased the postman for 100 metres and displayed aggression to bystanders. The dogs lunged at residents who attempted to leave their homes and chased one man, forcing the resident to use a shovel to defend himself.
Three animal management officers from Wyndham council intervened, using deterrent spray to subdue the dogs. The council then deemed the dogs “menacing”, which requires that when outside the premises of the owner, they must be under the control of the owner by way of a chain, cord or leash, and must be muzzled. Mr Hounslow took the council to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to appeal the council orders last week, but lost. While ruling the council’s orders valid, VCAT member Elisabeth Wentworth said the circumstances were as serious as they could be without injury being caused.
“It is clear that Mr Hounslow loves and is loyal to his dogs,” she said. “Of concern, however, was his apparent lack of insight and his reluctance to recognise the seriousness of the dogs’ behaviour.”
She said the dogs would have to be restrained when outside Hounslow’s property by leash, chain or cord and would have to be muzzled – except when on the back of his utility.”
