Action call on dog ‘dangers’

By John Van Klaveren
OWNERS of pets subjected to dog attacks want stricter controls from a council review of domestic animal management plan.
St Leonards’ pensioner Judy Alexander, who has complained of wandering dogs terrorising residents, called for zero tolerance, especially with “strong and aggressive” breeds.
“How much does our dog registration have to rise to pay for more dog rangers to patrol, training to catch aggressive animals (or) challenge owners of dangerous dogs?” Let’s start this dialogue – but make it quick.”
A Highton woman whose white terrier cross was attacked twice last year by uncontrolled dogs accused council and State Government of inaction.
Authorities eventually told her they could do nothing about the attacks because there were no witnesses, she said.
“New developments tend to have reduced back yard space, which will result in increase use of open space by pet owners and the community,” the report said.
“Reduced land sizes may present other challenges, such as nuisance and disturbances.”
The report said Geelong had one of the largest dog and cat populations of any Victorian municipality, with more than 46,695.
The report said 11 to 14 per cent of dogs in the community were unregistered. Up to 55 per cent of cats were unregistered.
The report said City Hall had 376 reports of menacing or rushing dogs, up from 318 last year.
Dog attacks were down from 182 to 117.