Tom Ingleton
A series of shocking dog attacks in Sunbury last August has prompted Hume councillors to commit to stronger preventative action, following the release of an internal review into the incidents.
At its June 10 meeting, Hume council unanimously endorsed a report examining the lead-up to the attacks and outlining new strategies to reduce the likelihood of a repeat.
The review was commissioned after three dogs escaped from a property and attacked multiple people over two consecutive days, August 29 and 30, 2024.
The dogs’ owner died at the end of last year.
Victims sustained both serious and non-serious injuries.
“The dog attack incidents that occurred in August of 2024 had a profound impact on those directly involved and generated serious concern across our community,” Cr Kate Hamley said during the June 10 council meeting.
“Our thoughts are with all the people who were directly affected.”
Cr Hamley, who moved the notice of motion to initiate the review, said the resulting report was about accountability and change.
“This report reflects the council’s determination to learn from these distressing events, and to ensure we are doing everything in our power to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring again.”
The review found that the council acted appropriately in its management of the August 2024 dog attacks, but noted that officers were constrained by the limited powers available under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Council officers had no lawful authority to seize or euthanise the dogs involved, and needed police assistance to respond urgently.
It also identified that while council’s website included information on how to report dog attacks, there were opportunities to improve access and clarity of information.
However, it found no evidence that these limitations contributed to the August 2024 attacks.
The report recommended urgent changes to the act to authorise the reasonable use of force by authorised officers when entering land, executing search warrants, or seizing animals.
A state government spokesperson said what happened was “shocking and unacceptable” adding, “Every Victorian has a right to feel safe in their community – our thoughts are with those affected by this incident.”
They encouraged anyone with concerns about aggressive or roaming dogs to come forward.
“People should report any information about dog attacks, dogs at large or dogs behaving in a menacing way, including rushing or chasing, to their local council or the state government’s Dangerous Dogs Hotline on 136 186.”
