Dog attacks jump by 30 per cent in a year in Tea Tree Gully

DOG ATTACKS on people and animals in Tea Tree Gully have jumped by a third in just one year, as the State Government looks to crack down of irresponsible dog owners.

Dog attacks on humans and animals has jumped from 108 to 145 over the past year in Tea Tree Gully. Picture: Supplied.

DOG ATTACKS on people and animals in Tea Tree Gully have jumped by a third in just one year, as the State Government looks to crack down of irresponsible dog owners.

There were 145 reports of dogs either attacking or harassing people and animals in the council district during 2016/17.

That compares with 108 and 112 reports in the previous two years, according to the Cat and Dog Management Board’s annual report.

It comes as the State Government plans to introduce a new $5000 fine for pet owners who leave the scene of a dog attack without assisting injured parties, or providing contact details.

A government spokeswoman said legislation would be introduced to parliament next week.

Nearly 400 people from across the state sought hospital treatment after being attacked by a dog last financial year – up about 100 on the previous year.

Tea Tree Gully councillor Lucas Jones said the local spike was down to careless dog owners.

“It’s a concern, but I believe the increase is coming from a small group of irresponsible dog owners,” he said.

“I agree with the $5000 fine. What I am opposed to is to increase the fine imposed on dog owners for when their dog escapes their house and is simply found wandering the street sniffing trees.”

Owners of wandering dogs will now be fined $170, up from $80, by Tea Tree Gully Council.

Alan Timms, who runs the Adelaide Dog Attack Register, predicted a further rise in dog attacks because of the government’s “reactive” legislation.

“It’s nothing compared to what it will be in the next couple of years,” Mr Timms said.

“Unless legislation is proactive rather than reactive, the situation is only going to get worse.

“Making fines bigger will ensure people won’t stick around (after a dog attack).

“It’s lip service to the issue. It’s a lazy cop-out – it’s being seen to do something by doing nothing.

“Until dogs and owners have numberplates it will make no difference, but you can’t do that.”

A Cat and Dog Management Board spokesman said information on dangerous dogs would be more streamlined and accessible via a new online database, which will go live on July 1 next year.

“This will replace 68 different individual council registers currently in use, and is planned to better link up with reporting information like that provided by SA Health,” he said.

There are about 18,100 registered dogs in the Tea Tree Gully district.

The council issued 1760 pet-related fines last financial year, and impounded 455 dogs at its St Agnes depot.