A father and son from near Geelong have received a ten-year ban from dog ownership following a severe mauling incident involving their two Staffordshire bull terriers. The attack occurred in May last year when Susan Shaw, a 55-year-old mother of three, was out for her regular run in Winchelsea. She suffered life-threatening injuries, including the loss of part of her right ear and significant lacerations to her leg. Fortunately, after being placed in a coma for four days, she did survive, despite initially being given a grim prognosis by medical staff to her family.
The court proceedings revealed that a year prior to the attack on Shaw, her border collie had also been attacked by the same dogs, indicating a troubling pattern of aggressive behaviour. During the sentencing, Magistrate Ann McGarvie stated that the injuries inflicted on Shaw were among the most severe she had encountered and condemned the owners’ ineffective measures to prevent such attacks.
Phophinder Shergill, the main owner, has been fined nearly $8,200 and required to pay over $20,000 in pound fees. His son, Dion Shergill, faced a penalty of $6,000 in fines, also with substantial pound costs and additional legal fees. Both individuals were labelled untrustworthy by the magistrate after they failed to appear in person for their court hearing, leading to a delay in the sentencing. Dion attempted to join the proceedings via video but had technical difficulties, while Phophinder did not attend at all, citing health concerns and a lack of technological proficiency.
In an effort to safeguard the community, Magistrate McGarvie ordered the euthanasia of the two Staffordshire bull terriers, stating that such a frightening incident should never occur again. The decision underscores the serious nature of the attacks and the court’s commitment to public safety.