Future of Dogs Uncertain Following Severe Attack Incident

A woman and her small dog were viciously attacked while strolling along Sycamore Rise in Dianella on Saturday, an incident that was caught on CCTV. The two aggressive animals responsible for the attack have been apprehended and are now under the care of the City of Stirling. Meanwhile, the 49-year-old victim remains hospitalized as she recovers from her injuries.

“This is undoubtedly one of the worst dog attacks I have encountered,” commented Hannah Dreaver, the chief operating officer of RSPCA WA, reflecting on the severity of the incident.

Dog attacks have become a growing concern for Perth councils, with such incidents occurring regularly throughout the city. These attacks result in hundreds of hospitalizations each year, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

“There has been a noticeable increase in both the frequency and severity of dog attacks,” stated Tim Howeling, a lawyer with Cornerstone Legal. He also highlighted the legal repercussions, noting that individuals charged in connection with a dog attack could face fines up to $10,000.

“Dog attacks have been increasing in both the nature of the attacks as well as their frequency,” Cornerstone Legal lawyer Tim Howeling said.

” … 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.

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