Share and Follow
A woman and her small dog were ambushed by two larger dogs during a walk on Sycamore Rise in Dianella this past Saturday. The incident was caught on CCTV.
The City of Stirling has taken custody of the two unleashed dogs while the 49-year-old victim receives treatment in the hospital.
“This ranks among the most severe dog attacks I’ve come across,” remarked Hannah Dreaver, the chief operating officer of RSPCA WA, earlier today.
Dog attacks remain a significant issue for councils in Perth, occurring weekly and resulting in hundreds of hospital visits annually.
“We’re seeing an increase in both the severity and frequency of these attacks,” noted Tim Howeling, a lawyer from Cornerstone Legal.
” … A person charged with a dog attack faces a maximum fine of $10,000.”
The injured woman could even pursue her own legal action.
“They [the owners] may be considered to be liable in criminal injuries compensation and they may also be the subject of civil action to recoup from them the losses from the person who is the victim of the attack may have suffered,” Howeling said.
The City of Stirling is working to gather statements from those involved, including the dogs’ owner, before a decision is made on what will happen to them.
They’ll either be returned to the owner or kept by the council, facing the possibility of being put down.
“The question is whether or not that dog is able to be safely rehomed with the persons who were originally the owners of the dog,” Howling said.
The RSPCA urged owners to socialise their dogs early.
“We really encourage owners to keep their dogs confined to their property and to also understand where their dogs are at all times,” Dreaver said.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.