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A Warrnambool man has been convicted and fined after pleading guilty to three charges relating to a dog attack in February.
The attack occurred when the man took his partner’s dogs for a walk on the grounds of Warrnambool West Primary School on Saturday, February 15.
The two dogs were not being held by a lead when they attacked a third dog, Zeus, who was also being walked at the school by its female owner.
The attack continued for about two minutes with one of the dogs latching on to the neck of Zeus and the other dog biting Zeus’ legs.
The owner of Zeus was bitten on the hand and scratched on the face while trying to defend her dog, which required treatment by a vet and is still recovering from the attack.
The female victim was treated in hospital, assessed by a plastic surgeon and referred to a hand specialist to treat muscle damage.
The Warrnambool man appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrate’s court on Monday, May 18, where he entered guilty pleas to three charges.
“This terrifying attack should never have happened,” Council CEO Andrew Mason said.
“All dogs should be registered and owners must be in control of their dogs at all times.
“The owners of these two dogs knew they posed a risk. It’s why they were being walked in the grounds of a school, because the man assumed there would be no-one there on a Saturday.
“It’s worth noting that the magistrate viewed taking the dogs to a school – an action that is banned –as ‘inverted logic’.
“The decision by the magistrate to record a conviction demonstrates how seriously the court views pet owners who don’t take responsibility for their pets.
“The main dog involved in the attack will now be officially declared dangerous and the second dog menacing.
“The dangerous dog declaration places additional obligations on the owner.
“These include that in public places the dogs must always be muzzled, on a lead, chain or cord and it must always wear a red and yellow striped collar.
“The premises where it is kept must have dangerous dog signs posted at the entrances.”
Along with the conviction the man was fined $7,597 and ordered to pay compensation of $1894.91 to the female victim.
“Taking these matters to court is never a preferred course of action but in this instance it was necessary,” Mr Mason said.
“The outcome serves as a reminder that pet ownership comes with important responsibilities.”