Dog death sparks muzzle call

A man whose dog was killed by another dog on New Year’s Eve is calling for the muzzling of large dogs in public.

Brett and Jody Maley were fishing near Southgate Beach when their 12-year-old Maltese shih tzu, Scally, was attacked by a medium-sized, brindle-coloured dog.

The Maleys were forced to put their dog down.

Mr Maley said larger dogs should be made to wear a muzzle to avoid future attacks on other smaller dogs and children.

“The larger breeds of dogs should be muzzled, ” he said.

“Because a lot of (the) elderly walk their small animals.

“We should introduce a compulsory muzzle for these types of dogs — it’s not fair on every dog.”

He said he would raise the idea with rangers.

The Maleys said they had spoken with beachgoers who were similarly concerned about dogs often running loose in the area.

Mr Maley said having dogs off their lead was “extremely dangerous”, and was a risk to not just smaller dogs, but children as well.

“It’s extremely dangerous, especially with some of these breeds, ” he said.

“There could be kids around.

“The dog that killed our dog, without a doubt, would’ve gone after a kid.

“It (the issue) is out of control.”

A spokesperson for the City of Greater Geraldton said the incident was being investigated.

City animal control team leader Darren Cole said penalties applied for dog-owners who contravened the Dog Act by taking their dogs off the lead in non-designated areas.

He said the City was targeting areas where dogs were often loose and under no control.

“Owners need to control their dogs and be more responsible, ” he said.

“Rangers are now starting at 6am weekdays and working until 7pm weekdays.

“We have adjusted our working hours so we can better address these issues.”

If you witness a dog attack or wandering dog, contact the City on 9956 6600.