In the past 12 months council’s rangers have responded to 364 incidents and impounded 337 uncontrolled dogs.

Of the 50 dog attacks, seven were against residents, with six people requiring medical attention.

Forty-three involved attacks on other animals.

Speaking at council’s recent May meeting, mayor Paul Maytom said it was time for dog owners to be acting more responsibly.

“We all need to be aware of how much damage an uncontrolled dog can do,” councillor Maytom said.

“It’s about education and awareness.

“People should know how serious the consequences can be.

“Dog owners need to be responsible at all times.

“The high number of incidents are of concern to council because the community is potentially put at risk by dangerous and menacing dogs.”

Incidents in the past year have involved a nine-year-old Whitton boy being bitten and sheep being maimed and killed.

As a result of the various incidents council may develop a policy that could restrict the number of dogs within a single household in residential areas.

It could also potentially include enclosure standards when the number of dogs in a single household exceed a certain number.

“Council doesn’t want to over regulate, but wishes to work with the community and be proactive in promoting responsible dog ownership within (the) shire,” Cr Maytom said.

“Council is concerned a number of incidents have resulted in direct harm to other companion animals such as smaller dogs being walked on a lead.

“People should be able to walk the streets freely without fear of being attacked or menaced by uncontrolled dogs.

“Dog owners need to be responsible so dogs can’t escape from their yards and wreak havoc in other people’s property.

“Council is particularly concerned about the safety of  vulnerable members of the community such as young children and the aged.”

To provide comment on what the policy should involve contact council@leeton.nsw.gov.au anytime this month.