Andrew Dullens and his wife Aurora were walking at Mills Park in Beckenham on Wednesday morning when they were approached by an off-leash staffy-type dog.
The dog charged at them and tried to attack the Dullens’ daughter’s small dog, Stella.
Mr Dullens held Stella up to stop her from getting hurt, was bitten in the process and ended up needing 16 stitches in his legs, arms and hand.
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READ NOWHe said the attack was unprovoked and could have been more serious.
“They were about 50 metres away and we were quietly walking with our dog,” he said.
“He spotted us and came charging. The owner tried to call it back but it was never going to come back. If it had got hold of Stella, it would’ve killed her for sure.”
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Mr Dullens said the park was popular with people of all ages and was worried it could happen again.
“If it were an old lady, they’ve got no chance against an animal like that,” he said.
City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said rangers were investigating the incident.
“It’s always a concern when dog owners don’t follow the law in relation to dogs in public places,” he said.
Mr Cowie said the culprit could be prosecuted by the City of Gosnells if they were identified.
“The owner of a dog that commits an attack can be charged with criminal offences under the Dog Act,” he said.
The West Australian Dog Act of 1976 Section 33D states if a dog attacks a person and causes physical injury to the person, the maximum penalty is $20,000 for dangerous dogs.
Mrs Dullens said the public should be warned.
“It’s not a matter of if it’s fatal, but a matter of bringing it to the attention of the council and the people,” she said.
“This isn’t something we will let rest. We will follow this up because something needs to be done. You need to be able to use the park without being fearful of animals in the park.”