By NATALIE GALLENTI
A DISTRAUGHT Caroline Springs resident has spoken to Star about her horror after learning her beloved pet cat was mauled to death by at least one large dog.
Melissa Andrews said she knew something was wrong when she returned from work on Wednesday, 8 May, and didn’t receive her usual greeting from her pet cat Duwie.
For over three years the friendly feline would sit at the front door and wait for his devoted owner but on this day Melissa believed her pet was “just out and about”.
After scouring the streets that night Melissa and her partner decided to start door knocking the next day and were devastated when their neighbour told them she witnessed the cat being attacked by what she believes was a bullmastiff.
The neighbour claimed a woman was walking her two dogs when the one without a muzzle attacked Duwie and killed him.
What horrified Melissa most was what the neighbour claims to have seen next.
“They saw the owner (of the dogs) put my cat in the bin and walk off…the lady and the dogs were covered in blood,” she told Star.
“I was shocked…angry that she didn’t have the decency to at least leave a note. If we didn’t go door-knocking we would never have known.”
Melissa said she had a very close bond with Duwie who she adopted from the Lost Dog’s Home more than three years ago and life has not been the same since he was killed.
“I was very close to him…I loved him to death,” she said.
“All I want is a simple explanation, the neighbours witnessed it…come back to my place and tell me what happened.
“I’ve got nothing against any breed of dog, but I think owners need to take responsibility. The onus is on the owner.
“I’m worried about other people. If they’re considered dangerous they should be muzzled…what about if it was a toddler running around out there?”
Melton City Council’s compliance manager Ian Stewart said the council encourages responsible pet ownership in the community.
Mr Stewart said it was mandatory for all cats and dogs to be registered and microchipped with the council and de-sexing animals is also encouraged.
“Owners are also encouraged to train their dog not to bark unnecessarily, to walk comfortably on a leash, and to be well-mannered in public,” he said.
“Council takes any matters regarding dog attacks seriously and due processes, including appropriate provisions of the Domestic Animals Act, are followed by council to ensure the safety of the community”
Melton City Council records indicate that four dogs were declared dangerous in 2011 and one dog declared dangerous in 2012.
