THIRTY-TWO dog attacks took place in Leeton shire last year.
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Towards the end of 2018 three of the these attacks resulted in an adult and two children needing medical attention.
In December, one of those children required facial surgery following a dog attack at a home in Parkview.
The remaining 29 incidents involved attacks on pets and livestock.
Leeton Shire Council senior ranger Peter Skarlis said it was crucial residents took responsibility for the pets at home and on the farm.
“Any dog attack on a person is alarming,” he said.
“All dog owners must be aware it is their responsibility to ensure their pet does not endanger the safety of any person.”
The numbers in 2017 were similar to those recorded last year.
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Thirty dog attacks took place in that year, with two of these incidents resulting in people receiving medical treatment.
The remainder involved attacks on livestock and other pets.
Mr Skarlis said dog attacks were a serious issue in the community.
“Dog attack incidents predominantly occur when dogs are uncontrolled, uncontained or wandering at large,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of all dog owners to effectively contain and control their dogs at all times – whether at home or in a public place.
“Children should not be left unsupervised in the presence of dogs.”
Residents can also report dogs who appear to be wandering around town off leash on their own to council’s rangers.
These animals will then be impounded and the owners contacted.
In 2018, 303 dogs were impounded.
This compares to 268 dogs being impounded in 2017.
How dog owners can prevent an attack:
- All dogs can be territorial. Most dog attacks in public occur on the footpath or road in front of the dog's property.
- Confining dogs to their property could prevent 80% of dog attacks in public places.
- You can be fined if your dog isn't securely confined, or if it rushes at or attacks a person or animal.
- Your yard must have a closed gate, escape proof fencing, and visitors must have safe access to the front door.
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