A sad ending in dogs case
Published on 28 May 2020
Following almost twelve months of legal proceedings, Council has had a successful prosecution with an Order issued to have a two dogs destroyed.
Manager Building, Safety & Amenity Peter Phillips said this sad case highlighted the importance of good animal management.
“In May 2019, a Numurkah resident returned home to find two dogs wandering in the back yard of the property,” Mr Phillips said.
“The dogs were described as one being a large grey wiry-haired type, the other being of a similar size with black and brown markings.
“The resident took photographs of these dogs before they escaped from the property under a boundary fence.”
Mr Phillips said the resident then noticed a chicken coop on the property was badly damaged with seven dead chickens strewn around the back yard.
“Another badly injured chicken was found and had to be euthanised,” he said.”
In June 2019 council officers investigated a separate complaint about dogs being kept at a property in Numurkah.
“Five dogs were observed at this property with two of the dogs matching the description and photographs of the dogs allegedly involved in the chicken attack in May,” Mr Phillips said.
“Later that day, council officers attended another residence in Numurkah to investigate another complaint of two stray dogs in the back yard.
“These dogs were captured by council officers then conveyed to the pound.”
Mr Phillips said the owner of these animals was charged with 12 offences, and at a court hearing on 13 May 2020 was fined and ordered to pay costs in excess of $8,000 with the two dogs ordered to be euthanised.
“The devastation unrestrained dogs have on farmers, herd animals and not to mention our pets and native wildlife is immense,” he said.
“There is also a danger to the public, with the risks of attacks on individuals and in particular small children who can sustain severe injuries.
“This is a risk any council is not prepared to take and why pet registration is compulsory with owners encouraged to train their dogs and house them in suitable confined yards.”
Mr Phillips said owning a pet can be a wonderful experience, with studies showing it could enhance your health, wellbeing and happiness.
“Moira Shire Council advocates for responsible pet ownership, which is in the best interests of the pet, the owner and the community as a whole, and this is why there are a number of rules about keeping dogs, cats and other animals in our townships,” he said.