Dozens of sheep and several dogs have had to be put down in Junee after a jump in dog-related attacks. Photo: dimid_86.
More than 20 sheep and several dogs have been euthanased in Junee in the past two to three months following an increase in dog-related attacks.
The sharp rise has resulted in Junee Shire Council reminding pet owners to keep their dogs secure while at home and on a leash while outdoors.
“I don’t know whether it’s as a result of the warmer weather or just people getting out and about but there has been a jump in reports of dogs getting loose and attacking farm animals or other dogs,” Junee Shire Council’s director of corporate and community development Lloyd Hart said.
“Justifiably a lot of locals have sent in complaints about the number of dogs out and about and reported to us to look into it.
“We’ve seen sheep getting attacked constantly with no-one there at the time to stop them. It’s obviously a pretty sensitive and difficult situation to work through, but ultimately we want everyone to be able to use our public spaces and for people’s property to be protected without the fear of dogs attacking.”
Mr Hart said Junee Shire Council was placing the responsibility for dog-related attacks solely on dog owners and urged members of the public to do the right thing when looking after their pets.
“We often hear about different breeds of dogs that are more aggressive. We can’t control that. What can be controlled is each owner being responsible for their dogs,” he said.
“When dogs are in the public, they need to be on a leash or a chain and be under some sort of control at all times.
“We’re also finding through our research and investigations that a number of yards aren’t secure. Being a responsible owner isn’t just feeding or walking your pets, it’s also making sure the area you are keeping them in is secure and there isn’t a chance of them getting out.”
Mr Hart said those who failed to cooperate with council’s requests could face fines and potentially the removal of animals from their care.
“We (Junee Shire Council) operate in accordance with the state’s Companion Animals Act [Companion Animals Act 1998 No 87], so there are provisions with that act to deter people from allowing their dogs to roam freely including fines,” he said.
“It’s just all about responsibility and people being accountable for their dogs. Council hasn’t entertained the thought of restricting breeds or anything like that because we believe our community is full of responsible owners. But public spaces are for everyone to use and private property shouldn’t be invaded by unsupervised pets.”
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