In 2016-17, there were 10 serious dog attacks in the City of Melbourne (five on people, five on dogs). In several of the cases of dog attacks on people, the victim was hospitalised.
Any breed or size of dog can become aggressive when defending its territory. Attacks are not always from dangerous or restricted dogs and can be from ‘unexpected’ breeds not generally associated with aggression.
Most dog attacks happen in public places, on the footpath or road. For this reason, it is important your dog is on a leash in on-leash areas and under effective control in off-leash areas. When your dog is in your property, you need to keep it securely confined.
The City of Melbourne’s animal management officers frequently patrol the parks, open spaces and streets in the municipality to maintain harmony and ensure dog owners are complying with off/on-leash requirements. However, it’s vital that both dog owners are mindful of their dog and others, and keep their dog under effective control. It’s also important that anyone involved in a dog attack captures details and reports the matter to the City of Melbourne, as we take these matters very seriously.