Murrindindi Shire Council is urging dog owners to put the safety of their community first by being responsible dog owners.
During recent months, Council's Community Safety Unit has pursued matters in court related to barking dogs, unregistered dogs and a number of serious dog attacks across Murrindindi Shire.
A young girl was attacked by a dog last year, leaving her with serious injuries to her face and hand. The owner appeared at the Magistrates Court in March and was fined $1500. The owner is now required to keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times while in public.
Last year, two unregistered dogs left their property and attacked another dog, which was out on a walk with its owner. The owner of the two unregistered dogs appeared at the Magistrates Court in February and was ordered to pay $2337 in fines and associated vet bills for the injured dog and was placed on a six month good behaviour bond.
A court appeal in March, lodged by an owner of a dog that attacked and killed another dog in 2018, was 'struck out' by the Magistrates Court and the owner was ordered to pay $9156 in fines and other costs.
In November 2021, another dog owner was ordered to pay over $1100 in fines and costs relating to a barking dog, failing to register a dog and not keeping the dog contained on its property.
Council's Planning and Compliance Portfolio Councillor Eric Lording said these incidents should act as a timely and important reminder that all dog owners have a requirement to exercise responsible pet ownership in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
'Community members and visitors in Murrindindi Shire should be able to go for a run, walk or a bike ride without fear of being attacked or having their own dog mauled by another dog. It's shocking to hear of these incidents occurring', Cr Lording added.
'Rules about dog ownership are in place for a reason – to ensure the safety of our community, the safety of dog owners and the safety of dogs as well. As dog owners, we have a responsibility to ensure we're doing the right thing by our community and by our dogs.
'Council will continue to work with the community to support dog owners and help them understand and uphold their responsibilities. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported and connected in our Shire and shouldn't have to be worried about being attacked by a dog or having their own dog injured. It is good that the law is upholding our right to be safe from dog attacks.
