By Eleanor Wilson
A Cranbourne West family is distraught after their three-year-old pet Spitz dog was mauled to death in a savage dog attack.
Elysha Huby said the family was out celebrating daughter Marli’s 11th birthday on Tuesday 28 June when her neighbour’s two pet greyhounds forced entry into the rear of her property, where the family’s pet dog Oreo was located.
CCTV footage from Ms Huby’s property shows the two greyhounds forcing down the adjoining fence over a period of 15 minutes to gain access to the backyard.
Miss Huby said the footage showed the greyhounds mauling Oreo for 30 minutes, with the Spitz dog suffering for seven minutes before succumbing to his injuries.
“Oreo was the most beautiful dog. He slept on my pillow every night and he was my best mate,” she said.
“I’ve never seen something so horrific, I am so traumatised by what my baby went through.”
Both of the greyhound dogs were surrendered to Casey Council following the attack, and one greyhound has since been humanely euthanised, according to council.
The council said the second greyhound “did not participate in the attack and was identified to not be a risk to the community through CCTV footage that was analysed.”
But Ms Huby was outraged the second greyhound was been returned to its owners.
“That dog shouldn’t be allowed back in that backyard… my kids aren’t allowed in our backyard while that dog remains next door,” she said.
“Both of those dogs played tug of war with my Oreo and that second greyhound needs to be euthanised.“
“We’re always told of the dangers of dog attacks at the park, but my dog was in his own backyard. He should have been safe.”
City of Casey’s manager of safer communities Daniel Osborne said both greyhounds were registered and had no adverse history with the council.
“Both dogs had never raced, muzzle restrictions did not apply to them. The owner is co-operating with investigating officers,” Mr Osborne said.
“Council officers will review all of the evidence in the coming days to establish what charges are to be made against the owner of the attacking dog.”
Ms Huby said she fears she will “never get over” witnessing the CCTV footage.
“Just two days before the attack I was thinking about how big my girls are getting and thinking about them growing up and moving out,“ she said.
“I turned to Oreo and gave him a scratch and said ’at least I’ll still have you’ and now he’s gone…I’m not coping at all.“
