DNA puts bite on two dogs

CASEY council has used DNA evidence to successfully prosecute a Cranbourne South woman, whose dogs killed five sheep last year.
The two dogs attacked sheep at a property at Cranbourne South late last year, and five sheep died as a result.
City of Casey local laws officers collected dog hair at the property to be used as DNA evidence, and test results enabled them to identify one of the dogs responsible.
It was the first time council had collected DNA evidence for a conviction.
The owner of the dogs pleaded guilty to 13 charges at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 19 March and was fined $1300 plus $4000 in costs. The Magistrate also ordered both dogs be destroyed.
Casey’s manager of community safety Caroline Bell said the prosecution acted as a warning to other pet owners that they needed to ensure their pets were secured.
“Most dog attacks that happen are the result of poor fencing or open gates, and often occur close to the dog’s home. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that a dog is confined to the owner’s property at all times,” Ms Bell said.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said it was pleasing that council officers were able to use DNA technology to identify the dogs.
Ms Bell said council officers would not hesitate to follow up dog attack incidents, and encouraged people who witnessed an attack to call the City of Casey on 9705 5200.