A MIDVALE resident whose dog was fatally mauled by a bull mastiff is calling for changes to the laws to better protect people from vicious dogs.
Rosemary Lotstra’s partner was walking their 13-year-old maltese-shi tzu Sam with her granddaughter on August 11 when the bull mastiff attacked.
“Sam suffered punctured lungs, four shattered ribs and a hole in one side,” she said.
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READ NOW“Vets at the Animal Hospital at Murdoch University tried to save him but they said Sam’s injuries were one of the worst cases they had seen.
“We spent nearly $15,000 in vet bills to try and save him but no amount of money could save him.
“We are devastated and shattered as Sam was the love of our lives.
“He didn’t deserve to go like this.”
Shire of Mundaring chief executive Jonathan Throssell said rangers were aware of the incident and that the dog, which was not declared dangerous, had been reported previously for another attack.
“No formal action or prosecution was taken as the complainant did not want to go to court,” he said.
“A decision has not yet been made due to an investigation still being underway.”
Mr Throssell said there were 11 dogs in the shire currently declared dangerous.
Ms Lotstra said her nine-year-old granddaughter was devastated by the attack.
“We want the dog destroyed,” she said.
“Under the current laws if the owners surrender it, it can be put down straight away.
“Otherwise they have seven days to claim the dog.
“This dog has attacked twice before including on an elderly man and another dog.
“It’s so unfair that this dog can go home but my dog will never come home.
“How many dogs have to die before the law is changed?”