Dog owner fined for attack

By Tate Papworth

A woman has been ordered to pay $13,000 and been placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond after a dog attack in Taylors Lakes.

A woman and two small dogs were injured in the attack on a walking track along Taylors Creek, off Reed Crescent, about 10am on April 22.

Sunshine Magistrates Court last month heard that a woman and her husband were walking their three dogs on leads when a large German shepherd attacked their Chihuahua and another dog.

The woman intervened and suffered injuries to her face and hand. She received medical treatment for her injuries.

The two small dogs were treated at a local veterinary clinic. One of the dogs suffered a broken spine, broken ribs and puncture wounds while the other received multiple puncture wounds.

Brimbank council said the owner of the German Shepherd pleaded guilty to allowing a dog to attack and bite a person causing a serious injury to the face and hand requiring medical attention; and two counts of allowing a dog to attack and bite an animal causing serious injury requiring veterinary attention.

She also pleaded guilty to allowing a dog to be outside owner’s premises and not secured and confined during daytime; and failing to apply to register a dog being over three months.

Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said the court decision served as a timely reminder.

“Responsible pet ownership is extremely important to Brimbank council and our community,” Cr Giudice said. “The success of this prosecution is also a reminder to everyone that there are legal consequences if your dog attacks another person or animal.”