By Brendan Rees
A Cranbourne West couple had been playing fetch with their 10-year-old kelpie at a reserve when another dog ran over and locked its jaws on their beloved pet.
The shocked couple, who asked not to be named, say their dog was attacked by what they believe to be a pit bull – who had also turned on its owner by biting him on the hand after he had been “frantically kicking” it to release its hold.
The couple had been throwing a ball with their dog named Tarni while she was off her leash at Cirai Crescent Reserve when the dog bolted towards them – about 5pm on Tuesday 21 April.
The couple say they had seen the pit bull “misbehaving” at reserve while in the company of what appeared to be two teenage girls and a man.
“Suddenly, we were aware of the pit bull running towards us,” the couple said.
“It latched on to Tarni’s neck straight away; there was no sniffing of each other at all.
“I shouted to the male ‘the collar’s not tight enough’. Sure enough it slipped it again and tried for a second time to reach and attack Tarni,” they added, while Tarni was being held in their arms.
Tarni was rushed to the vet by the owner while his partner stayed at the reserve to obtain the other owner’s details.
The vet told him that Tarni had suffered a puncture wound under her left ear to the side of her neck. She was treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and a pain killing injection.
Meanwhile, his partner, who had approached the owner of the pit bull and his family – who had arrived shortly after at the reserve – said she had “pointed out to the family the intent of their dog again.”
At this point she was told the dog belonged to the man’s brother who was also present at the reserve.
“They were all very apologetic to me. I said: ‘I know you are very sorry, but your dog has tasted blood, and it will do this again’.”
The couple have reported the incident to Casey Council, who have confirmed they are investigating.
Casey Council manager of safer communities Caroline Bell said: “Investigators are currently speaking to all parties involved as part of the investigation”.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Casey Council on 9705 5200.
