By BRIDGET COOK
TWO Cranbourne pensioners are more than $5000 out of pocket after their little dog survived a pitbull attack, and fear they will never be reimbursed for the costs.
Lorna and Frank Shepherd’s papillon Tiffany was attacked by a pitbull in Cranbourne on Father’s Day and they are now paying off a $5000-plus vet bill fortnightly from their pension.
Ms Shepherd said they had since been advised that unless they took the attacking dog’s owners through civil court, they might never be compensated for the costs.
“We don’t want to go to court, we are peaceful people and it’s just not us,” she said.
“The council said the people are not in a financial position to pay for the vet bills. That’s not really fair because neither are we.
“We are just pensioners.”
Ms Shephard said her husband was walking Tiffany and their other little dog on leads when the attack happened.
Ms Shephard said the pitbull, which the council has destroyed, was on a lead but escaped the hands of its owner.
“It latched onto Tiffany and had her jaw in its mouth for a long time and wouldn’t let go,” she said.
“The dog’s owner had to put it in a headlock and force its mouth open to get it off.”
Tiffany suffered from a broken jaw and a serious puncture in her neck, and required orthopaedic surgery from a specialist in Malvern.
“We didn’t think we were going to be able to afford it, but the kind people from the Pet Medical Crisis Fund (PMCF) gave us $1000 and we had $1000 savings,” Ms Shepherd said.
“That was enough to allow the surgery to go ahead and we are paying the rest off.
“She has to go back in six weeks and may require more work, which is going to be even more expenses.”
Ms Shepherd said putting her down was never an option.
“She is our beloved family pet and part of our family,” she said.
Ms Shepherd said she was angry at the way the matter had been handled by the Casey Council.
“We we’re meant to have a meeting with the by-laws officer, but he has continually cancelled,” she said.
“He hasn’t even taken our statement yet.
“We are starting to doubt if we’ll ever see the money again.”
City of Casey acting manager community safety Richard Maugueret said the council was investigating the matter.
“Council can seek costs, restitution on behalf of the victim, during the court process however there is no guarantee that it will be granted by the courts,” he said.
“The council cannot seek restitution unless it’s through the courts.
“If the victim does not supply a statement, council cannot proceed to court as we have no evidence.
“Additional to council seeking restitution on behalf of the victim during the court process, the victim can undertake civil action.
The PMCF is a not-for-profit organisation that gives financial help to families who can’t afford the treatment or surgery costs for their pets.
To make a donation to the PMCF visit www.petmedicalcrisisfund.com.au
