Dog owners in City's sights after attacks
A man shot and injured a dog which killed one of his lambs – the second time within a week his “pet” sheep were attacked by stray animals.
And the owners of the dog could be in for as much pain as the animal suffered.
Under the Dog Act, the City of Greater Geraldton can prosecute owners of dogs who enter properties and attack animals.
Fines range from between $400 and go up to $20,000.
Woorree man Matthew Moore was woken at 3am on Friday to find his six-week-old lamb had been killed.
“I’ve lost two pet sheep and had three others injured inside a week,” he said.
“It’s so frustrating because you bring them up from little lambs and then you lose them because other people aren’t responsible pet owners.
“It’s very upsetting for my family — they are our pets and we’ve raised them.
“My wife and son had to bury the first sheep killed last week while I was away — it’s not something they should have to do.”
The dog, described as a white and tan mastiff, ran away injured after being shot in the shoulder by Mr Moore.
Mr Moore said he felt like he didn’t have a choice but to shoot the dog.
“I didn’t like hurting the dog, but I wasn’t going to intervene when he was attacking the sheep — he had bloodlust and I would have been injured,” he said.
“If I hadn’t done anything, he would have only come back.
“Whoever the dog belongs to, they need to try to find it and seek medical attention and take responsibility for their dog and not let it roam the streets at night.”
City of Greater Geraldton manager of community law and safety, Konrad Seidl, said people who experienced dog attacks should contact police or ranger services.
“Any attack should be reported to the appropriate authority for action and as much evidence as possible should be gathered,” he said.
“If a dog attack is reported and the dog responsible for the attack is located, injured or uninjured, the City will prosecute.
“This could result in a fine of $400 or if the circumstances warrant further, a court prosecution with penalties up to $10,000 or $20,000 for a dangerous dog.”
