Amy Hume
A SPATE of random dog attacks in Broadford have left district dog walkers and pedestrians feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhood.
A Broadford woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, and her dog are two of the most recent victims of dog attack in the town’s main street.
The woman was walking her dog on-lead when she was approached by a dog off-lead, which attacked both her and her dog.
“I’ve just a very nasty incident of a big strong dog running across at my dog, which was, as usual, on a lead. The other dog was not and was out of control,” she said.
“Thankfully a good Samaritan pulled up and rescued my dog, and me, by somehow getting my dog into the car and finally getting the other dog away.
“This person took a risk as she could have been attacked herself.”
The Broadford woman said this is not the first time it has happened.
“Last school holidays I took my young granddaughter with me and two dogs came running at us in Pinniger Street.
“Will it take someone to be seriously hurt or more, before dog owners take responsibility?”
Mitchell Shire Council CEO David Keenan said council was working with residents to reduce the number of dog attacks in the area.
“Unfortunately, pets left unattended and uncontained are a problem not just within Mitchell Shire but throughout all municipalities,” Mr Keenan said.
“Council has organised a letter box drop in various streets throughout Broadford where animals that are left uncontained are a nuisance and/or a danger to residents.”
Information included in the letter box drop includes reminders to pet owners of their responsibility to secure their pets and the fines that are enforced for infringement.
Broadford Veterinary Clinic veterinarian Catriona Hanlon said dog bite prevention starts with responsible pet ownership.
“As the authorities clamp down on aggressive dogs and dog bites, and attacks often result in euthanasia of the animal, it is extremely important that we do the right thing by our canine friends,” Ms Hanlon said.
“As pet owners, we must be in control and responsible for our pets at all times. It is important to remember that any dog or pet is capable of biting, especially when scared or injured.”
Ms Hanlon said there are a range of things that people can do prevent dog attacks including socialising your dog, keeping it under control with “dog-proof” fences and on leads when out and about, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and having dogs de-sexed.
“Having your dog spayed or castrated will help to prevent both roaming and aggression,” Ms Hanlon said.
“Particularly in males, dominance or dominant aggression is many times worse with all that extra testosterone.
“Male dogs that haven’t been de-sexed are approximately 11 times more likely to end up in the pound, and 15 times more likely to be the cause of a dog attack.”
Pet owners are encouraged to attend council’s pet expo on Saturday, November 6, where information regarding pet ownership, registration and obedience/agility training will be on hand for those in attendance.
To report attacks, stray animals or animals running unrestrained, contact council’s Local Laws Unit on 5734 6200.
