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The City of Whyalla has been successful in prosecuting the owner of a dog responsible for an attack on a child in Whyalla last year.
The matter was heard on Monday in the Whyalla Magistrates Court where the defendant pleaded guilty on both charges against her. The charges were being the owner of a dog that attacks a person or animal and being the owner of a dog wandering at large.
The charges were laid by Council under the Dog and Cat Management Act and related to an attack at Gordon Street on December 20 in 2017 where an 11-year-old boy suffered significant injuries to his leg.
The dog, a bull terrier breed, was seized by Council and subsequently destroyed after giving the owner required notice and opportunity to dispute the orders served under the Act.
In the court judgment this week, Magistrate T.F. Forrest noted there was a need for a penalty for the owner to reinforce the importance of dog owners being vigilant to avoid similar offending. He recorded convictions for both offences and ordered the owner to pay penalty amounts in excess of $2500 which included costs and a victims of crime levy.
Council CEO Chris Cowley said the outcome highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“It shows Council’s proactive approach to animal manager and reiterates our zero tolerance in relation to matters of risk to public safety,” Mr Cowley said.
“At this point in time, we’d like to wish the young boy who was attacked a continued recovery and hope this outcome gives him and his family some closure.
“Whyalla is a safe environment and Council will continue to enforce the Dog and Cat Management Act to ensure it remains that way for pets and people.”
Anyone with dog and cat concerns can contact Council on 8640 3444 or via the website www.whyalla.sa.gov.au