Geelong victim alleges inaction over dog attacks

By John Van Klaveren
A WOMAN whose pet has endured two dog attacks this year has accused council and State Government of inaction.
The 24-year-old from Highton said both levels of government had taken little action after she reported the attacks on her dog.
In the latest attack three uncontrolled dogs set on the woman and her white terrier cross near the former Geelong Golf Club last weekend.
“I reported the attacks but each time the authorities weren’t very interested,” she said
“The police said to contact the council and the council said they would get back to me within 24 hours but they didn’t.”
The woman wanted to remain unidentified, fearing reprisals from the owner of the three dogs. She said they left her scratched, bruised and with torn clothing after she picked up her pet to protect it from injury.
“They (authorities) seem to think that a dog-on-dog attack is not worth doing anything about but it could be a child next time.
“I know it’s not the dogs as much as it is the owners but if nothing’s done people will be too scared to walk their dogs anymore.”
City of Greater Geelong health and local laws manager Steve Sodomaco said staff were investigating the latest attack.
Council also investigated the previous incident, which reached a resolution between the parties, he said.
“So far this year 100 dog attacks have been reported to council, many of which were rushes rather than attacks resulting in injury,” Mr Sodomaco said.
“There was one serious attack on a person and 26 attacks that resulted in a minor injury to the person or persons involved.”
Mr Sodomaco said council had declared three dangerous dogs this year.