UPPER Hunter Shire Council is reminding residents to report any sightings of aggressive dogs and to ensure their own pets are secured.
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The warning comes after a boy was allegedly bitten on the face by a dog in Elizabeth Park, Scone, over the weekend.
General Manager Waid Crockett said council was responding to reports of unsecured dogs as well as assisting some property owners to identify animals that attacked livestock, through CCTV surveillance.
“Council and many members of the community are concerned at the number of roaming dogs, particularly in light of attacks on livestock,” Mr Crockett said.
“While many dogs on the street are not wild dogs and are not attacking livestock, they still should not be out.”
Council stressed dog owners must ensure their animal is microchipped and registered.
The animals must also be wearing a collar with a tag identifying its name, and the owner’s address and phone number, and on a leash or otherwise secured on your property at all times.
An unrestrained and unsupervised dog can be a danger to other people and animals.
The fine for dogs that attack, bite, harass, chase or rush at a person or animals is $550.
In the last year, council investigated 228 companion animal customer requests or complaints and 119 animals were impounded.
Over 97% of customer complaints/enquiries for Animal Control are responded to within 24 hours.
Council has two Compliance Officers – or Rangers that in addition to their work during the day are on a roster system for after-hour emergency call-outs.
Compliance Officers will always respond to complaints and enquiries regarding animal control matters.
Incidents are always fully investigated and enforcement action taken where appropriate, once sufficient evidence is gathered.
Animal Control is only part of the workload for the Compliance Officers.
Their duties also include operating the animal shelters, swimming pool inspections, onsite sewage management inspections, investigation of pollution incidents, noise, wood smoke, abandoned vehicles, development compliance, traffic, footpath trading licences, littering, illegal dumping and monitoring alcohol free zones.
“The Compliance Officers respond to calls from the public about dangerous and menacing dogs and stray animals that show signs of aggression,” Mr Crockett said.
“Council cannot always respond to all after-hours calls about every stray animal on the street.
“Council is doing what it can with available resources. We rely on the public to report incidents so they can be properly investigated.
“Ultimately dog owners need to ensure their animals are secured.”
