By Mario Xuereb
RESTRICTIONS on mixed-breed dangerous dogs could increase after another pit bull attack in Brimbank.
A St Albans man was bitten on the hand last Monday by his neighbour’s dog in View St.
A Brimbank City Council spokesman said the dog attacked while the man’s arms were hanging over the fence.
The dog, registered as a pit bull cross, was being held pending breed identification.
A council spokesman told Star the dog’s owner was being “helpful and co-operative”.
Last week’s incident brings to more than 20 the number of dog attacks reported to council over the past 12 months.
A Staffordshire terrier cross mauled a nine-year-old Deer Park boy in August.
The number of attacks involving cross-breeds has led for a call for council to clamp down on owners.
Brimbank councillor Ken Capar will use the council meeting on 12 September to ask for a review of dangerous-dog policies at a local and state government level.
Cr Capar wants council rangers to seek dangerous dogs in problem suburbs, particularly cross-bred dogs that may escape registration.
State laws make it illegal to own a restricted dog breed, such as a pit bull, if the animal was not registered before November last year.
The State Government has previously stated that pit bulls are over aggressive and pose an unacceptable risk to people and other animals.
“I think it is important to classify and identify where these crossbreed dogs are,” Cr Capar said.
“People cross breed dogs because they’re after certain attributes.
“For example, a cross between a pit bull and a rottweiler, where they’re after an aggressive animal that has got bulk.
“But the result is a dog that is potentially more aggressive than some of the breeds presently restricted.
“So, I think we need to revisit the laws.”
Cr Capar is also calling for council to make spot visits, to catch unregistered dogs.
He said pit bulls and similar breeds should not be seen in city areas.
“They are menaces, and they are simply about the owner trying to strut their stuff and appear menacing.
“I’m sick of every couple of months hearing about a person who has been attacked by one of these dogs.”
