By Alesha Capone
Wyndham council has investigated 42 dog attacks so far this year, including 15 deemed “serious”.
City operations director Stephen Thorpe said that a dog attack was considered serious if the victim, either an animal or a person, required medical attention.
Mr Thorpe said that between January and December last year, the council investigated 47 dog attacks, with 17 considered serious.
In comparison, during 2017, the council investigated 64 dog attacks, including 18 serious ones.
“In matters that are serious in nature, council makes all efforts to ensure that restrictions are put in place to protect the community,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Sometimes this includes voluntary or imposed euthanasia of the dog.”
He said that across the past three years, 46 dog attacks recorded in Wyndham had been against people, with an additional 109 attacks against other animals.
Within Victoria, councils can declare a dog dangerous if it has bitten or attacked a person or animal, resulting in death or serious injury. Councils can declare a dog “menacing” if it is recorded as rushing or chasing a person in an aggressive manner.
Within the past two months, dog attacks recorded in Wyndham have included the case of a 17-year-old Jack Russell-chihuahua cross who was euthanised after being attacked in Hampstead Drive, Hoppers Crossing.
The little dog, named Minnie, was being walked by her elderly owner on July 15 when a dog on the loose – described as a black staffy – attacked.
On June 17, a woman who was walking her dog in Sycamore Street, Hoppers Crossing, was taken to Werribee Mercy Hospital after being mauled by another dog.
Wyndham council is investigating both incidents.
