By Christine de Kock
DOG owners are warned they should keep their pets under control after a small dog was fatally mauled in an attack in Yarraville last week.
An officer at Maribyrnong City Council said it was yet to be decided whether action will be taken against the owner of the Staffordshire bull terrier cross, which killed the small dog.
The incident took place outside McIvor Reserve.
“On Tuesday morning, an elderly man was walking his small dog, a male Maltese crossbreed, in Benbow St, Yarraville,” the officer said.
“A larger dog … emerged from the nearby off-lead reserve at McIvor Reserve and attacked the smaller dog.
“The elderly man and an elderly woman who was in charge of the larger dog attempted to rescue the small dog. Other members of the public also assisted.”
But the Maltese crossbreed was killed in the attack.
Police were called and contacted Maribyrnong City Council’s animal management team to for assistance.
“The dog was seized by council officers on Tuesday and transferred to the council’s pound,” the council officer said.
“At the request of the owner the dog was put down by a vet yesterday afternoon.”
Police handed over the investigation of the attack to the council.
A statement is yet to be taken from the person in charge of the attacking dog, who is not the owner.
“A decision is yet to be made as to whether council will take proceedings against the person who was in charge of the attacking dog at the time.
“This is a normal course in such matters.
“We’ll need to examine the evidence and make an appraisal as to whether the person in charge of the dog is likely to be guilty of an offence.”
Council regulations state that dog owners who want to exercise their dogs off lead must:
* CARRY a lead and ensure the dog is in sight and under control (will return to the owner when called);
* NOT allow a dog in children’s play equipment areas in any park and ensure the dog is on a lead within a 30 metre zone around playgrounds (this applies to all parks);
* CARRY a container or plastic bag to pick up dog droppings;
* LET dogs off the lead only in off-lead designated areas.
