WHITTLESEA council officers are investigating claims a “vicious dog” savaged a pet in South Morang. But they have dismissed claims the alleged attack involved a pit bull terrier, a restricted breed in Victoria.
The dog was identified as an American Staffordshire terrier cross, which is similar to a pit bull in appearance.
A South Morang mother of three claimed a large dog ripped into her small terrier cross in her driveway.
“My nine-year-old son had our pet on a lead but let go in fear as the other dog attacked,” she said. “My youngest son owns our pet and he ran over to try to separate the fighting dogs. He could have been hurt.
“Our dog was seriously hurt, his whole neck was torn open and we are very lucky to still have him.”
The mother, who did not want to be named, said the neighbours had paid $900 of the more than $1000 vet bill but “this is about more than money”.
She said the attack happened on August 6 but she did not make a formal complaint until August 15 because she said the owners of the other dog had promised to muzzle it and keep it inside. She contacted the council when the animal almost escaped again. “Now they are denying their dog attacked our pet,” she said.
Wayne Bullock, the local laws manager, confirmed the council was investigating the complaint.
“The dog was reported to council as a pit bull but has since been identified as an American Staffordshire terrier cross,” he said. “The dog is a crossbreed and therefore not a restricted breed. However, the dog is not registered, which is part of the offence that is being investigated.”
