By Alesha Capone
MORE than 110 dog-related attacks were investigated by Brimbank City Council last year.
The council’s city development general manager Stephen Sully said many of the 113 incidents were of a “minor nature” that may not have resulted in the dog actually biting and may not have resulted in infringement notices.
“The council issued 325 dog-related infringement notices in 2011,” Mr Sully said.
Mr Sully said some incidents resulted in multiple infringements, while major attacks by dogs resulted in charges being heard before the Magistrates’ Court without infringement notices being issued.
“A council officer received an injury last year during a home visit to inspect a dog, but was not seriously hurt,” he said.
In August 2011, a four-year-old St Albans girl was killed by a wandering dog which came into her home, although her older cousin attempted to fight off the pit-bull cross.
The dog, which also injured another child during the attack, was later put down.
Mr Sully said before the State Government last year extended an amnesty for owners of restricted breed dogs – such as American pit-bulls – to register their canines, there were 38 such animals registered with Brimbank City Council.
“There are now 50 restricted breed dogs registered with council,” he said.
Mr Sully said during last year’s amnesty period, three pit-bulls were surrendered to the council, and were all euthanised.
While no specific dog breeds are classified as dangerous within Victoria, a canine which is which is kept for the purpose of guarding non-residential premises is automatically classed as a dangerous dog.
“Two dangerous dogs were registered since August 2011, bringing the total number of dangerous dogs registered in Brimbank to 53,” Mr Sully said.
In addition, councils have the power to declare a dog dangerous if the animal causes serious injury to a person or animal, if the dog is a menacing dog and its owner has received at least two infringement notices for failing to comply with restraint requirements and other similar legal reasons.
Residents unsure about whether their dog could be a restricted breed can contact the council on 9249 4000 and ask to speak to an animal management officer for advice.
