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Baw Baw Shire Council urges responsible pet ownership following dog attack and court conviction

Baw Baw Shire Council urges responsible pet ownership after a Longwarry resident was fined for an uncontained dog attack, reinforcing the importance of securing pets and following state legislation on effective control.

By news@gippsland - 23rd January 2025 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council is reminding residents about the importance of responsible pet ownership and securing your animals properly on your property. This reminder comes after a Longwarry resident was found guilty in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court this month following a number of charges due to an incident involving his pet dog in September 2024.

All cats and dogs over three months must be registered. Owners face penalties for non-compliance. Registrations open until April 2026, permits required for more than two pets

Dog attack consequences

The dog was not contained properly and attacked another dog on private property. It caused a serious injury to the other dog, as well as an elderly victim who got bitten when they stepped in to stop the attack. The court convicted the owner of three charges and imposed fines and costs valued at more than $3,000.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said this outcome affirmed why council took these matters seriously, and the importance of containing pets properly. "The penalties send a clear message to Baw Baw residents about responsible dog ownership and the need to ensure your dog is contained in an effective way."

"When pet dogs are away from their place of residence in public spaces, they must be under effective control on a lead, leash or chain unless they are in a designated 'off leash area'," he said.

Responsible dog ownership

Mayor Cr Goss said he sometimes witnessed irresponsible pet ownership and more education was needed for our community. "I'm quite tired of walking my own dogs and noticing that some other people aren't doing the right thing. We need to come down hard on this growing practice, and the state legislation is very clear about your obligations to have your dog under effective control," he said. Cr Goss added that having a pet dog was not a responsibility to take lightly.

Baw Baw Shire has a number of designated off-leash areas throughout the community, which are only for dogs that will not harm or threaten others using the same public space. Owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs within these areas.
Parks are located at the following spots:

• Bellbird Park, Drouin
• Dunstan Oval, Rawson
• St Phillack Reserve, Rawson
• Hollydell Park, Trafalgar
• Brooker Park, Warragul
• Dowton Park, Yarragon

For more information on animals in Baw Baw, visit Baw Baw Shire Council - Animals website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com