By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
A family is in mourning after its pet dog died of its injuries on Tuesday.
“We are absolutely devastated by this latest turn of events,” owner Naomi Taguchi said this morning.
The incident happened as Naomi Taguchi, her two young daughters and small papillon dog Koji were walking along Marklin Street, Cranbourne, on Wednesday 7 October.
The attacking dog was put down soon after the incident.
Three weeks after the terrifying incident, the Taguchi family’s dog died due to the internal injuries.
After the incident Ms Taguchi spent five hours in emergency at Casey Hospital and had X-rays on her sprained ankle.
She later found that this was the second time that the dog had attacked someone.
Ms Taguchi hasn’t been able to walk, drive or work since the incident and has had to pay numerous medical and veterinary bills including for physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.
With the incident now in the hands of the City of Casey, Ms Taguchi confirmed the owners of the dog decided to euthanase the animal.
“I’m happy the dog won’t attack anyone else but sad it wasn’t properly restrained or trained – I’m sad the dog lost its life through no fault of its own,” Ms Taguchi said.
Casey local-laws officers have been in talks with Ms Taguchi, who said the council had a strong case against the owners.
“They have broken the Domestic Animals Act of 1994 which states animals must be properly restrained and cannot rush at people,” Ms Taguchi said.
Ms Taguchi said she hoped to get a form of financial compensation if the case is taken to court by the City of Casey.
“These types of incidents are rife in this town,” she said.
