By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Cranbourne East family is fighting for the return of their “placid”, hobbling nine-year-old Rottweiller who they say has been wrongly impounded for killing sheep in a neighbour’s paddock.
Sophie the dog has been locked up in a pound for five weeks, awaiting a hearing in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court accused of being part of a two-dog attack that killed two sheep and injured three others on Sunday, 23 July.
Owner Angela Duffield says Sophie was unable to run due to “two bad back hips” – she just waddles.
The dog had never been interested in chasing or attacking livestock, even as a pup, Ms Duffield said.
Sophie had escaped their yard when a fence was damaged by a tree during storms on the night of 22 July.
The next day, the frantically searching family found Sophie on a locked trailer cage on the back of a Casey Council ranger’s vehicle.
The council had not provided the family with any evidence of their dog attacking the sheep, Ms Duffield says.
The Duffield kids used to ride on Sophie’s back – now they are constantly asking when their companion will be back home.
“We’re told that she’s the pound’s favourite dog,” Ms Duffield says.
“There’s not a more placid rottweiller than Sophie.
“They keep saying she’s a happy dog but she’s been away from her family for five weeks.”
During Sophie’s impoundment, she was receiving medication for her painful rear hips. Her family has visited her in recent days and are concerned by a sore on her neck and her lost weight.
“When she saw my husband (on a visit), she had slobber all over her face she was so excited.
“When they left, she just sat there and watched them walk out. It would have been very hard for her.”
Casey Council says it was still seeking to locate the second dog – described as a white-and-brown mastiff cross – as part of its investigation.
“As with any serious attack in which animals’ lives are lost, council has the responsibility to ensure we undertake a thorough and exhaustive investigation,” Casey safer communities manager Caroline Bell said.
“We understand the owner’s distress, however given the serious nature of this incident the dog must remain in council’s care until the matter is fully investigated.”
“The welfare of all animals is a high priority for council, including the animals that have been killed, and that is why we are not taking this matter lightly,” Ms Bell said.
“Council understands that this incident has been distressing for all involved and are we working to conclude our investigation as quickly as possible.”
Casey is requesting any information on the whereabouts of the second dog to call 9705 5200.
