Pet lucky to survive savage dog attack

City of Stirling community safety manager Laurie Crouch said the city was investigating the attack, one of 60 reported to the council this year.

Kenneth Yat said he was walking Jordie with his family at Dianella open space near Alexander Drive about 9am when the attack happened.

‘Jordie walked up to the other dog’s female owner after both dogs had sniffed each other,’ he said.

‘The woman pet Jordie on the head and the other dog ran back across the oval to its owner and instantly started mauling Jordie. It was biting Jordie’s neck and ear.

‘I was shocked.’

The 18-year-old said the female owner of the attacking dog tried to pull her dog off as he shouted towards his parents and their friends, who were walking ahead.

‘It took about four of us to get the dog off Jordie even though the dog was down; his jaw was still locked on our dog,’ he said.

‘Jordie was trying to escape, but there wasn’t much he could do.’

They rushed Jordie to Morley Vetcentre where the vet told them their dog was lucky to have survived. Morley Vetcentre head nurse Tracy Woods said Jordie had puncture wounds to the right of his neck that needed suturing.

‘The dog had surgery and was put on antibiotics and pain relief,’ she said.

Ms Woods said any dog could attack, with no breed an exception.

‘It’s not just nasty dogs out there attacking, they might get spooked and then they’ll attack.’

The City of Stirling runs education and awareness campaigns regarding responsible dog ownership.

‘Responsibility lies with the dog owner and all dogs must be registered under legislation,’ Mr Crouch said. ‘All dog owners should make sure their dogs are well controlled, especially in public areas and in the presence of other unknown dogs.’