A 31-year-old man was successfully prosecuted by Baw Baw Shire Council following a serious dog attack incident that left another pet dog with significant injuries.
The three dogs owned by the resident – including one already declared a 'menacing dog' – were deemed not adequately contained at the owner's Drouin property.
Two of the dogs allegedly forced entry onto a neighbouring residential property, where they attacked a pet dog, inflicting severe injuries.
The resident was charged with 11 offences, including being the owner of a menacing dog that caused serious injury, failure to contain dogs to a property, and failure to register dogs. The man did not enter a plea when the matter was heard at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court.
Evidence presented to court revealed the 'menacing dog' had previously been involved in a similar attack in the Latrobe City Council area. The earlier incident resulted in infringement notices and the dog being officially declared 'menacing' under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
The magistrate found all charges proven and highlighted the critical importance of responsible pet ownership, particularly in cases where there was a known history of dog aggression.
The accused was convicted on all 11 charges, fined a total of $1900, and ordered to pay substantial veterinary costs to the victim dog owner. The magistrate did not issue an order for destruction of the attacking dogs.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss said the outcome sent a clear message to all pet owners. "Our community has the right to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods, and this case highlights the serious consequences that can follow when dog owners fail to take responsibility for their animals.
"Far too often we see people in our community walking dogs off leash, they show little regard for other pet owners often claiming their animal is harmless. We need to see this behaviour stopped.
"Council will continue to act decisively and with the interest of the community when it comes to dangerous or menacing dogs, and we expect all pet owners to be responsible and meet their legal obligations," Cr Goss said.
Council urged all dog owners to ensure their pets were securely confined to their properties and registered.