Owners of dogs warned

– Tania Martin
DOG owners are being urged to make sure their animals are confined to their yards.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges is calling for pet owners to comply with dog laws after a spate of attacks.
In the past three months the shire has recorded more than 40 dog attacks with some cases being taken to the Magistrates’ Court where dog owners have been fined or ordered to destroyed their pets.
Michael Somerville, the shire’s manager of building, health and local laws said the spate of dog attacks is unacceptable and could have been prevented.
“A properly confined dog that is walked regularly, appropriately fed and trained is less likely to attack another dog, animal or person,” he said.
The dog laws requires owners to have control of their animals at all times and people who disobey these laws can face hefty fines of $12,000, imprisonment, or a court order to destroy the dog.
Mr Somerville said dog owners can avoid costly fees, court hearings and orders to destroy their animals by building a fence, or gate and training their dogs.
“If dog owners are not prepared to do the basics they simple shouldn’t own a dog,” he said.