Dog owners are being reminded that it is illegal for dogs to be unsupervised on public land following a spate of serious attacks in the Macedon Ranges.
Council officers were called to 13 incidents of dog attacks during March and April – some of which resulted in the death of wildlife, livestock and pets.
The council’s manager of community safety, Anne-Louise Linder, said the rate of attacks had not risen, but council officers were very concerned about their severity.
She said the council was also concerned that residents seemed to be OK with dogs roaming the streets.
“It is not OK for your pet to wander,” Ms Linder said.
“That means closing and locking your gate so there is no chance for someone to leave the gate open and regularly checking there are no gaps in your fence.”
She said all dogs had the potential to become aggressive.
The council is urging residents to report sightings of unsupervised dogs.
“If you see a dog wandering, especially if it is displaying threatening behaviour, please call council immediately to report the dog,” Ms Linder said.
She said registered dogs would be returned to their owners and steps would be taken to ensure the dogs remained locked up and secured in the future.
Penalties for dogs at large and dogs who cause non-serious injury can range from $238-$389.
An owner of a dog who causes serious injury faces prosecution and the dog being declared dangerous.
Fines of $155 can be applied to owners whose dog rushes or chases a person.
Macedon Ranges council can be contacted about pets on 5422 0333.
