By BRIDGET COOK
TWO women got the fright of their lives this month at a Cranbourne bistro when an unrestrained dog in a car threatened them.
Lana Kerr said her friend, who did not want to be named, was almost attacked by a large Rottweiler when they left a venue after lunch this month.
“As my friend went to open her door, she was nearly attacked by a very large Rottweiler,” she said.
“The car with the dog in it was parked closely beside hers with his front window fully opened.
“There was nothing to stop this dog from getting out if it wanted to, and at one stage I thought we were lunch.
“I cannot express how concerned I am as this friend of mine has several medical conditions.
“One bite from this dog and she could have been in serious trouble.
“She is an older woman who was also very shaken.”
Ms Kerr said police told her nothing could be done unless someone was hurt.
“I am struggling to comprehend that this guy can get away with what he did,” she said.
“Surely, he should be responsible for the dog and for putting people’s lives at risk.
“I do not blame the dog as he was only being protective of his property.
“But I am furious that this could happen again and nothing can be done unless someone is injured or killed.”
Her friend said the incident scared the living daylights of her and she now wanted to warn other dog owners to not leave there dogs inside cars with the windows fully down.
“I really want to make people aware at how dangerous this is,” she said.
“This is a warning at how dangerous it could be.
“That dog could have bitten me if it jumped out of the car, which it certainly could have.
I was so angry and upset at the time it happened. That someone would leave there great big Rottweiler like that.”
City of Casey manager community safety Caroline Bell said that under the Domestic Animals Act an animal must be confined to the owner’s property or under the effective control of the owner at all times.
“If an animal leaves a vehicle and is not effectively under the control of its owner, under the Domestic Animals Act, an infringement of $211 may apply (during the day) or $282 (during the evening),” she said.
