Vicious attack

By Kath Gannaway
AFTER five attacks on her pet poodle Peggotty, Healesville dog-owner Val James thought she had found a safe place to walk him.
Peggotty was on a lead when he was attacked by a dog in June this year near Ms James’ home just outside of Healesville.
The dog was one of three being walked by their owner without a leash.
He survived the ordeal after veterinary treatment, so to avoid a further attack she started walking him in the township and in the local parks where, she said, she expected dog owners would keep their dogs on leads.
“Many do walk their dogs on a lead, but there are also many people who ignore the laws and the dog walks or runs free,” said Ms James.
“It is very difficult to protect your dog when people are blatantly making their own rules and taking a dog for a walk is still a nervous proposition.”
Ms James said information available from the Shire of Yarra Ranges pointed out some of the reasons the shire requires dogs to be walked on a lead.
“Some of the points worth noting are that dogs are pack animals,” she said.
“All dogs have certain common instincts and characteristics, irrespective of breed and if provoked, hurt or frightened, a dog of any breed could bite a child.”
Michael Somerville, Shire of Yarra Ranges manager local laws, said the law is clear.
Dogs must be on a lead no more than 1.5 metres long when in a public place or council reserve not designated as an off-lead area.
The only off-lead area in Healesville is at Healesville Showgrounds in Don Road.
While some parks have signs advising dogs must be walked on lead, the absence of signs does not indicate an off-lead area.
“It is also important to remember that anyone exercising a dog in a designated ‘off-lead’ area must still carry a chain, cord or leash and still have effective hand or voice control of the dog so as to be able to promptly leash the dog should it become necessary,” Mr Somerville said.
He said dog-owners walking their dogs unleashed face a fine of $113 with a maximum penalty at court of $227 and $453 for a second offence.
Ms James called on dog owners to observe the laws to ensure walking a dog is a pleasant experience for everyone.
She also recommended dog training and said there are local groups, including U3A, which offer low-cost training.
“Owning a pet is so very rewarding, but it is also a commitment, and a full-time responsibility,” she said.