By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
DOG attacks in the City of Casey have more than doubled since 2013.
To date the council has prosecuted 18 dog attacks in the area – which shows an increase of more than 60 per cent on last year’s figures.
Legal action was taken out on seven different incidents involving a vicious dog in 2013 and that number increased to 11 in 2014.
Casey animal welfare advocate and senior investigator at Animal Cruelty Hotline Australia, Barrie Tapp said he’s “not surprised” at the upsurge in reports.
“With population booming in Casey it’s expected to rise but people are not keeping their dogs locked in the facilities provided or chained up properly,” Mr Tapp said.
On the hunt for three lose staffordshire bull terriers on Walter Street, Cranbourne, on Sunday 25 October, Mr Tapp said he gets calls about escaped dogs every week.
“We pass a lot of those cases over to the rangers but I just can’t believe people aren’t taking responsibility for their animals and other dogs are getting attacked while being walked on a lead,” he said.
Chief Inspector with the RSPCA for two decades, Mr Tapp said all types of dogs can attack but “it’s always the owner’s fault” if a dog does so.
“Every owner should train their dog – especially dogs because they can be so unpredictable and money shouldn’t come into getting obedience training,” Mr Tapp said.
“Not training a dog is a psychological form of animal cruelty for the animal and I don’t believe a dog should be put down after one incident, it needs to be trained and given a second chance.”
The City of Casey is currently investigating a dog attack that occurred on Wednesday 7 October on Marklin Street, Cranbourne. The incident was the second time the dog had attacked a mother walking with a dog and a pram. That dog has since been euthanased.
The Animal Cruelty Hotline Australia is a 24-hour service, and to make a free report call 1800 751 770.
Read further about the Marklin Street dog attack.
