A campaign calling for tighter restrictions and heavier fines for dog owners with hounds that attack people or other animals will be brought before the Legislative Assembly this week.
It comes as the owners of a pomeranian dog "ripped apart" and killed instantly in a horrific public attack urge for changes to dog ownership laws, in the hope their pet didn't die in vain.
The three attacking dogs, believed to be two bull Arabs and an American pit bull, have been handed back to their owner without being declared dangerous, following a "thorough investigation" by Domestic Animal Services.
The Toscans purchased their late dog as a puppy 13 years ago. The tiny ball of fluff and energy was named Buzz, to match his personality.
On January 31, the little dog's life was cut short when he was grabbed by the head, in the mouth of another dog during a short walk around Yerrabi Pond. Mr Toscan was walking the dog alone, and had Buzz on a lead at the time.
"They just went for him, there was a slight whimper from Buzz and they just dragged him. I jumped straight on top of them, punching them trying to get them loose."
But it was no use, Mr Toscan said.
"His throat was ripped open."
"He had no bloody chance whatsoever, particular with the three of them. They were tugging at him like a rag doll."
The police were called and witnesses, who were also affected by the attack, stayed to comfort Mr Toscan.
He said when Domestic Animal Services called him last week to discuss the fate of the attacking dogs, he was left astounded upon discovering they had not been declared dangerous.
ACT opposition urban services spokesman Steve Doszpot will put a motion to the Legislative Assembly this week calling for tighter, more effective controls for dogs involved in attacks.
"From figures given to me by the government, a person presents to hospital emergency departments in Canberra because of a dog attack every three days. This rate is increasing and it is unacceptable," he said.
"The government needs to look closely at the spike in dog attack injuries and pinpoint where the problem is and address it."
Mr Doszpot said the attack on Buzz was one of dozens he'd heard of from across Canberra.
"The government has obviously lost control on this issue and something needs to be done before more innocent pets are injured or killed or a human tragedy occurs from dog attack."
The motion demands changes, which could include increasing penalties, changing classification or management of dangerous dogs, or better education.
"I believe most dog owners are conscientious and responsible about their dog ownership and would support stronger action to keep the community safe."
A spokesman for Transport Canberra and City Services said the 360 dog attacks reported in the last financial year "remains low" with respect to the 60,000 dogs estimated to live in Canberra.
In the case of Buzz, the government has returned the attacking dogs to their owner, who received infringement notices.
The dogs will be under strict conditions, but were not declared dangerous. The conditions include the dogs must be kept under effective control, must be walked individually by a person over the age of 18 years and must be muzzled when in a public place.
"When assessing an animal involved in such an incident, a number of things are taken into account including ... the likelihood of harm being caused to any member of the public or an animal," the spokesman said.