Owner Urges People to Report Attacks

JAKE a loved 8 year old cattle dog has just returned from the vets after being attacked by a neighbour’s dog last Friday.

The attack is the third dog attack within a week in the Scone area. See related stories: Two More Dogs Attack – Still At Large and More Dog Attacks in Town.

Linda Sutherland who lives in Parkville said she is thankful she was home when the attack occurred.

Jake, the 8 year old cattle dog recovering at the vets.

“I heard Jake yelp and with in a split second I looked up and I could see him digging his heels in and pulling back, because the other dog had old of him,” said Ms Sutherland.

“I dropped the mail and ran up to see the dog had him by the throat and was tearing into him,” she said.

“It wasn’t wearing a collar, so all I could do is grab the skin folds from behind its ears and try and pull it off,” she said.

“It was locked on and shaking, it was only a matter of moments, but it seemed much longer,” said Linda Sutherland.

Linda, who has bred dogs, understands incidents can happen, but said dogs need to be controlled.

“I love animals and I’ve grown up with them, but everything needs to be contained,” she said.

“The same dog that attacked my dog is often unrestrained running down the road and it’s not ok,” Linda Sutherland said.

The attack was reported to the Council ranger, who said they would be taking further action, but Linda was dismayed when she saw the dog a few days later unrestrained.

However, Linda is keen to encourage people in the community to report all attacks so that the community can be safer for everyone.

“The community needs to be safe animals and children alike,” she said.

“At the end of the day the attacks can get worse and it could be a child or an old person and with each attack it can be more severe,” she said.

“Keep your dogs in your yard and  know that when you are out it need to be on a leash,” she said.

“Don’t take matters into your own hands, go through the proper channels and follow the rules,” Linda Sutherland said.

Once a dog attack has been reported to Council the Council can investigate and may classify the animal as a “dangerous” dog.

The owners then need to comply with the Companion Animals Act and ensure the animal is kept in a proper enclosure to prevent further attacks.

The victim of the attack may also take legal action to recoup any costs incurred from the attack.

To Report a Dog:

• In the case of a dog attack or damage to property: Phone Police and record an event number: 02 6542 6999
• In the case of a nuisance or menacing dog: Phone Council and record a complaint number: 02 6540 1100
• Council has an after-hours number which can be used to report non-emergency events: 02 6540 1199
• NOTE: There is a 72 hour period in which a dog can be seized following an attack.

Related stories:

• Two More Dogs Attack – Still At Large – October 19, 2018.
• Understanding Dog Aggression – October 17, 2018.
• More Dog Attacks in Town – October 16, 2018.
• Dog Owners to be Brought to Heel – August 29, 2018.
• By-Law for Hunting Dogs Considered – August 29, 2018.
• Residents Growl at Ongoing Dog Issues – August 29, 2018.
• Teenager Attacked by Dog in Town – August 3, 2018.
• Map: Dodgy Dog Trails – August 3, 2018.
• Killer Dogs Slipping Bureaucratic Net – June 18, 2018.
• Lack of Control with Dog Control – July 28, 2016.