Dogs’ fates hang in the balance after ‘one of the worst’ attacks

The woman and her smaller dog were attacked as they walked along Sycamore Rise in Dianella on Saturday, which was captured on CCTV.

The two stray animals are now in the care of the City of Stirling while the 49-year-old woman recovers in hospital.

“This is absolutely one of the worst examples of a dog attack I have seen,” RSPCA WA Chief Operating Officer Hannah Dreaver said today.

Dog attacks are a concern for Perth councils. They take place across the city every week and result in hundreds of people being hospitalized every year.

“Dog attacks have increased, both in nature and frequency,” said Cornerstone Legal attorney Tim Howeling.

“…A person charged with a dog attack faces a fine of up to $10,000.”

The injured woman could even take her own legal action.

“She [the owners] may be considered liable for damages for criminal injuries and may also be subject to civil proceedings to recover losses from the person victim of the attack,” Howeling said.

The City of Stirling is working to gather statements from those involved, including the dogs’ owner, before making a decision on what will happen to them.

They are either returned to the owner or kept by the municipality, with the risk of being destroyed.

“The question is whether the dog can be safely rehomed with the individuals who originally owned the dog,” Howling said.

The RSPCA urged owners to socialize their dogs early.

“We really encourage owners to keep their dogs within their properties and also understand where their dogs are at all times,” Dreaver said.

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