By Alesha Capone
A dog owner whose Golden Retriever was attacked by another dog in Truganina last month says she wants to raise awareness of the importance of obedience training.
Cham Kumara was walking her dog, six-year-old Savannah, on a leash, near Westmeadows Lane and Stable Drive when the attack occurred around 1.20pm to 1.30pm on May 20.
Ms Kumara said she saw a girl, who looked about 16 to 18 years old, walking a “very muscly and powerful” dark-and-white-coloured dog.
The dog, which was on a chain, broke loose from the girl and ran towards Savannah, before latching onto her neck.
The girl grabbed the dark-coloured dog and dragged it off Savannah, but it broke free and attacked again.
Afterwards, the girl asked Ms Kumara if Savannah was okay, before walking away with the large dog.
Ms Kumara said she was so shaken up that she did not think to take a photo of the girl, or get her details.
Ms Kumara said the resident of a nearby house came outside, after hearing Savannah’s screams, and helped her in the aftermath of the attack.
Ms Kumara said luckily, on the day of the attack, Savannah was wearing a doggy puffer-jacket, which helped to shield her from the other dog’s attack.
However, Savannah still suffered a deep puncture wound to her neck.
“Otherwise, I would assume it would be really bad,” Ms Kumara said.
Ms Kumara said she reported the attack to Wyndham council, because she was worried what could have happened if a smaller dog or child had been the victim.
She also posted about the attack, on the Truganina Residents Facebook page.
Ms Savannah said the owners of the attacking dog needed to be educated about safe pet ownership.
“They need to take the dog to an obedience school and put a muzzle on the dog in public,” she said.
Wyndham council’s city operations director Stephen Thorpe said council was investigating the incident and searching for the offending dog and its owner.
“When the owner of the offending dog is located, council will engage them as part of the investigation,” Mr Thorpe said.
