In Dianella, the fate of two dogs involved in a recent attack that resulted in the death of a small dog and serious injuries to its owner remains uncertain. The incident, which occurred while a 49-year-old woman was walking her pet along Sycamore Rise, was recorded on CCTV. The two loose dogs are currently in the custody of the City of Stirling as the woman recovers in hospital. A neighbour intervened during the attack, using a stick to separate the dogs.
Hannah Dreaver, Chief Operating Officer of RSPCA WA, described the attack as one of the worst she has witnessed. Dog attacks are a pressing issue in Perth, with incidents reported weekly and leading to hundreds of hospitalisations annually. Lawyer Tim Howeling noted that both the frequency and severity of these attacks have been on the rise, with penalties for owners potentially reaching up to $10,000 for dog-related incidents. The injured woman may also have grounds for civil action against the dogs’ owners to recover damages.
The City of Stirling is in the process of gathering statements from witnesses and the dogs’ owners to determine the next steps. Possible outcomes for the dogs include returning them to their owners or retaining them, with the option of euthanasia remaining on the table. Howeling highlighted the importance of assessing whether the dogs can be safely rehomed.
In light of the increasing incidences of dog attacks, the RSPCA has emphasised the importance of early socialisation for dogs and encouraged owners to ensure their pets are securely confined to their properties. The tragic event reinforces the need for responsible pet ownership and vigilance to prevent such occurrences in the future.