The City's response to ABC Radio Perth, SCA News (Sky), and channels 7, 9 and 10 about a dog attack in Yangebup, 19.9.24
The City is always saddened to hear of dog attacks in our community, particularly where injury occurs. The City has declared the dog as dangerous, and has begun prosecution proceedings against the dog’s owner under the Dog Act. A court date is yet to be determined.
The City has no knowledge of any prior reported history of this dog being involved in any other attacks in Cockburn. The City believes the father of the young victim said in his statement that the dog had attacked other people, but we have no evidence to enable any further investigation of these claims. The City will investigate further if it receives a statement from someone who alleges they have been attacked previously by this dog.
As a declared dangerous dog, certain restrictions are in place including:
- The dog must wear a muzzle in public
- The dog must wear a ‘dangerous dog’ collar at all times
- The dog must be on a leash in public.
The owners must also comply with a property inspection, with specific ‘dangerous dog’ warning signage installed at all entry points. Penalties apply if these legal requirements are not complied with.
The owners must adhere to an annual property inspection to meet the requirements of the Dangerous Dog Declaration. The dog was released to its owner after their property was inspected and found to comply with Dangerous Dog legislation.
These restrictions remain in place for the duration of the dog’s life or until an order through the State Administrative Tribunal is handed down.
Restrictions are designed to ensure, as far as possible, that the possibility of a future attack is minimised, in line with the legislation.
The Dangerous Dog Declaration also places a flag on the animal’s microchip. If the dog leaves the City without notification and is encountered by rangers from other councils, the ‘Dangerous Dog Declaration’ information is visible on microchip databases.