Sarah Lloyd-Mostyn and her son Raine Taylor, 12, were horrified, about three weeks ago, to find their Maltese Bichon Frise, Isobel, being mauled by a neighbour’s dog.
Ms Lloyd-Mostyn said they had been putting Isobel into their car to take her down the beach when the dog, which appeared to have been walked by a child on a bike, tore loose.
Isobel’s veterinary treatment cost more than $700. It was the second attack within weeks, the first causing around $200 damage.
Raine, the same age as his dog, and after growing up with her, has become more protective of her since the incidents.
“When I saw the blood coming from her chest that creeped me out … that she wouldn’t be ok, or that she might die,” he said.
Ms Lloyd-Mostyn said she had initially been angered by the apparent inaction of the Shire, but was relieved to hear the dog had now been declared dangerous.
Acting director development services Michelle Teoh last week said the shire had decided to declare the dog dangerous.
She said there had been a slight delay in the process but rangers had been talking with the owners of the dog, who had complied with requests to ensure safety, such as installing appropriate fencing.
Ms Teoh said if taken out in public, the dog would now have to be controlled by someone physically capable.
(Broome Advertiser - Oct 18, 2011)
