A Hoppers Crossing man who was attacked by a pitbull terrier while walking his dog in a park hopes new dangerous-dog laws will prevent someone else from being hurt.
Ian Price was walking in Mossfiel Reserve on October 8 last year when his dog became caught up in a fight with the pitbull, which was off its lead.
Mr Price tried to restrain his dog but was attacked by the pitbull.
He was left with a deep, open gash on his left hand, tearing it from his knuckles to his wrist.
Mr Price was taken to Epping’s Northern Hospital for surgery.
The owner of the dog that attacked him has never been found.
Mr Price welcomed new legislation proposed by the state government last week.
Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh wants to amend the Domestic Animal Act to crack down on irresponsible dog owners.
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The changes will make it a criminal offence to breed a restricted-breed dog. Anyone who breaks the law could face up to six months’ jail.
Owners of dogs that attack a person or animal face a 10-year ownership ban.
The changes will also reverse the onus of proof, requiring owners of dogs deemed dangerous by councils to prove that they are not.
“I think the proposed laws are a good step,’’ Mr Price said.
‘‘Hopefully, they will stop someone else from getting hurt and experiencing what I went through.“I’m still very wary of what’s going on around me when I’m out walking my dog. I don’t go back to the park where I was attacked.”
