Statistics show attacks up 50 per cent
Dog attacks on the Beaches have increased by almost 50 per cent, with the increased dog population a likely cause.
The Office of Local Government quarterly showed 65 attacks reported involving 37 people and 45 animals from 1 July to 30 September, up from 35 reported attacks on 24 people and 18 animals the previous quarter. The Northern Beaches are the fourth highest for dog ownership in Greater Sydney, with over 70,000 micro-chipped dogs.
Local Facebook pages regularly see complaints from the community about aggressive dogs attacking other dogs or people, often looking for witnesses of an attack. One lady posted about her son being badly wounded after a large dog attacked him while riding to school and needed medical treatment.
Council told Peninsula Living Pittwater (PL) that the rise in dog attacks in the last quarter was mostly due to an increase in dog ownership, and that good weather sees more dogs in public places.
“We take attacks by dogs very seriously,” Mayor Sue Heins told PL. “They are traumatic for all involved and can cause serious and permanent injury to people or other animals.
“Dog owners are always legally responsible for their dog’s actions, whether in an off-leash dog park, at your home or on a lead.”
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, a dog owner can be fined up to $22,000 if they fail to control a dog that ‘rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal,’ whether or not an injury was caused.
Council has one dedicated animal management officer and 15 rangers involved in general dog management. Rangers also conduct high visibility dog patrols on beaches.
Council had to delay a proposed off-leash dog trial on Mona Vale Beach (south) and Palm Beach earlier this year. A draft South Mona Vale Beach plan of management is expected to go to council in the autumn so a public consultation can occur before any trial.
Ms Heins encouraged the public to report dog attacks to council as soon as possible. Regular dog awareness events are held by council, with a pop-up session at Manly Beach on 13 January.