By YASEMIN TALAT
ALMOST 200 dog attacks were investigated in Wyndham City in the last year.
Wyndham City Council figures reveal 171 dog attacks had been investigated between 1 July 2012 and 4 June 2013.
Of these attacks, 69 were on humans.
Last week Premier Denis Napthine said he was disgusted by the recent dog attacks in Victoria.
Dr Napthine warned dog laws and ownership restrictions could be reviewed and suggested dog owners needed better education.
Wyndham’s CEO Kerry Thompson said Wyndham City takes the responsibility of educating and enforcing restriction around dogs seriously.
“We actively promote community education and responsible pet ownership as the most appropriate way of helping to prevent dog attacks,” Ms Thompson said.
Since 2010, councils have had the power to seize dangerous dogs and potentially destroy them.
Ms Thompson said Wyndham Council had not seized or destroyed any dangerous dogs since September 2011.
However, nine dog owners had been prosecuted through the Magistrates Court for dog attacks since 1 July 2012.
“While the current legislation in relation to dangerous and restricted breed dogs allows council to achieve safe outcomes for the community, we would welcome the results of any review into this legislation by the Victorian Government.”
Ms Thompson said Legislative Services officers conduct audits of all owners of dangerous and restricted breed dogs at least once a year along with random audits to ensure owners are compliant with the requirements of the Domestic Animals Act.
Dog attacks on humans from 2011-12 to 2012-13 only dropped by 3, from 72 to 69 cases.
“Dog owners should ensure their pets are micro chipped, registered and secured within a property at all times, or kept under their control,” Ms Thompson said.
“Dog attacks are treated as a matter of priority to minimise risks to public safety and encourage reporting of any subsequent attacks.”
Residents can report dog attacks to Wyndham Council by phoning 9742 0777. The council also provides an after-hours emergency service after 5pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday and on all public holidays.
