Calls for better compensation for dog-attack victims have got the backing of Brimbank council.
Rosalyn Abbott says she was left with about $1200 in vet fees for her pet’s treatment and debilitating injuries to herself after a vicious dog attack in Brimbank more than two years ago.
She has pleaded for dog owners to be accountable and for councils to be more vigilant when it comes to restricted-breed dogs.
In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry into restricted breeds, Ms Abbott said she was five per cent incapacitated after having been attacked by a “pitbull-type dog”, which had no collar or lead, while walking her terrier-cross in a local park on Anzac Day, 2013. The attack has left her scared of certain breeds of dogs.
“I was bitten numerous times to my hands, wrists, and forearms. Despite my screams for help, neighbours coming to our rescue, phone calls to police and council rangers, and four burly ‘tradies’ … the dog would not let go,” she said.
She was rushed to an emergency animal clinic in Essendon covered in blood.
“My little dog’s body was covered in puncture wounds and bruising, and a large hole was ripped out of the top of her hip. Her front leg and shoulder were shattered. She was lucky to survive. Next time … it could be another fatality.”
She said the owner got the dog that attacked her back and was still living in the area.
“I have no doubt this dog will attack again,” she said. “Owners need to be made more accountable, councils need to be more vigilant, and police also need to be more involved.”
Ms Abbott called for “stricter laws and conditions for keeping these dangerous breeds of dogs”.
She said the dog’s owner was eventually fined more than $10,000, but she received just $50 in compensation.
The council’s city development director, Stuart Menzies, said compensation should be guaranteed “or the means for obtaining these court-ordered payments made simpler for the victims”.
“The magistrate ordered a compensation amount to be paid to the victim … under the current state legal system such compensation amounts … must be followed up by the victim as a civil debt. This was explained to the victim, and attempts were made to assist her.”
