One resident is calling for all dog owners to follow the rules, after her dog was attacked at Eaton Foreshore.
Bernadette Butler took her dog for a walk along the foreshore on Sunday, January 27.
During the walk, her dog was attacked by two off-lead dogs.
Ms Butler approached the dogs’ owners, but did not receive a response.
She said they continued to walk along the foreshore – failing to apologise, accost their dogs, or put the dogs on leads.
Ms Butler recently learned of two other incidents of a similar nature.
She said people should take responsibility for their dog/s and their dog/s’ behaviour.
“If there had been children around, or if I had had a child with me, it would have been a completely different scenario,” she said.
“If you are going to walk in an off-lead area, you need to be able to recall your dog.
“If someone else has their dog on a lead, then you should put your dog on a lead.
“It all comes down to understanding that you are responsible for your dog.”
The Shire of Dardanup has discussed plans to install a fenced dog exercise area along the foreshore.
Ms Butler said it was unwise to fence multiple dogs, of varying ages, into one area.
She said all fenced dog exercise areas should be divided into three sections – puppies, full-grown dogs, and older dogs.
The shire council, at its meeting on January 23, called for a survey to be sent to registered dog owners and the wider community.
Shire president Mick Bennett said the survey process was under way.
“Our staff are putting the questions together now and then they will go out. We will then deal with that issue on Wednesday, March 27,” he said.
“I am hoping, in a couple of weeks’ time, the new shire chief executive officer will be on-board.
“He’s had some experience with this in other areas, so I am looking forward to his input.”
Mr Bennett said the shire would closely examine all sites suggested by the community.
He said the process may take around six to 12 months.
Under the Western Australia Dog Act 1976, an infringement can be handed down for ‘an attack that caused fear, without injury’.
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