Dog owners reminded to secure pets after latest attacks

September 11, 2017

Three more incidents involving dogs over the weekend in Orange have again put the spotlight on the need for dog owners to make sure they are keeping their pets in a securely enclosed yard.

Over the weekend Orange City Council’s dog rangers were called out to deal with three incidents.

In two cases dogs were reported for chasing livestock on local farms nearby town.

A bull mastiff retriever cross was seen chasing cattle and a kelpie was reported at a different location for chasing sheep.

In both cases the ranger was able to catch the dog and the owners will be looking at control orders and fines.

Orange City Council Manager Corporate and Community Relations Nick Redmond said it was lucky that in these two cases none of the livestock were injured.

"In terms of the law, what happened is an incident that is still punishable by control orders and fines," he said.

"In the latest incident, a dog escaped from its yard at a suburban address, then rushed at and bit a young boy riding his scooter.

"When the boy jumped from his bike and ran away, the dog bit him again.

"The dog involved has been surrendered by its owner and will be euthanased.

"These incidents, in the wake of the serious attack at Canobolas High points to the need for owners to make sure their dogs are securely locked in a yard at all times, or tied up so that they can’t escape.

"It’s a tragedy for all involved when an incident like this happens, and a family pet has to be put down or a child suffers from a bite.

Our focus has always got to be on community safety, to make sure a dog is always under control."