Bite put on dogs

By Bridget Cook
THE City of Casey uncovered an illegal pit bull breeding ring during a six-month operation biting down on restricted breed dogs in the area.
The council undertook a special six-month operation from October last year aimed at clamping down on restricted breed dogs being kept in the municipality.
The operation was in response to the State Government’s four-week amnesty period to mandate the registration of restricted breed dogs.
During the operation, an illegal pit bull breeding ring was discovered and charges laid for 15 offences under the Domestic Animals Act.
This matter was heard at the Dandenong Magistrates Court on 7 June and the owner of the dogs pleaded guilty.
The owner was issued with $3184 in fines and three pit bull dogs were destroyed as a result.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said the campaign also led to an increase in animal registrations received by the council, including 57 registration requests for restricted breed dogs.
“It is the responsibility of all dog owners to register their animals with council and for the owners of restricted breed dogs to register them under the correct breed and comply with strict conditions, to ensure public safety.
“The City of Casey is serious about ensuring all owners of restricted breed dogs comply with the strict provisions of owning such animals as part of our commitment to making our city safe for residents.”
Council officers followed up 202 new animal registrations received during the amnesty period to determine the correct breed of dog was listed on the register.
More than 283 properties in Casey were inspected under the operation which resulted in unregistered dogs being identified.
The inspections also resulted in notices to comply issued to some owners, dogs seized by council officers, infringement notices issued to owners, dogs surrendered to the council and the prosecution of some dog owners for serious breaches.
Cr Aziz has now called on the community to help them continue their successful campaign to clamp down on restricted breed dogs.
“We believe there are still unregistered restricted breed dogs being kept in our city and we are calling for the assistance of the local community to help us identify them in the interests of public safety,” he said.
Anyone with information about a suspected unregistered restricted breed dog is urged to contact the Dangerous Dog Hotline on 1300 101 080 or phone the council on 9705 5200.
While it is often dangerous dog breeds that come under fire, this week police are seeking information about a dog attack involved a “white, fluffy haired dog”.
At about 1.40pm on Saturday 25 August the victim was walking his dog, an eight-month-old English Staffie, on a lead along Brindle Court, Endeavour Hills.
Police said while walking past an address, a white fluffy haired dog which was unsecured, ran from a front yard and began mauling the victim’s dog around the neck.
A 62-year-old man from Endeavour Hills is expected to be charged via summons for permitting a dog to attack an animal, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Endeavour Hills Police on 9709 7666.