'HORRIFIC': Mum's outrage after pet mauled to death by dog

A LISMORE woman has called for immediate action from the council after her beloved dog was killed by another dog.

RIP: Kate Genders is calling for better action from Lismore City Council after her dog - poodle cross Jack Russell Luka was mauled to death by a neighbours dog in South Lismore in November. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

A LISMORE mum whose pet dog was killed after being mauled by another dog in her neighbourhood has slammed the council over its lack of response.

South Lismore resident Kate Genders said the attack took place near her Charles Street home on Sunday, November 18 when her parents were out walking their family dog of nine years, Luka.

"The owner was in the front yard with her "ridge-back type dog," Ms Genders said.

"It ran along the fence line which was about thigh high, jumped the fence and mauled my dog ... it disembowelled her.

"My mum and stepfather watched in horror. It's horrible - they have to live with that image forever."

Ms Genders said the black poodle cross Jack Russell was on a lead during the "unprovoked" attack.

"My parents were trying to stop it and apparently the owner was too, but the dog wouldn't let go," she said.

"My mum got a small bite, it didn't puncture but it was sore and bruised. The dog didn't turn on her, it was just the confusion of the attack."

Thankfully, Ms Genders' two-year-old son wasn't present during the attack

"Usually it would be my partner and our two-year-old would walking the dog," she said.

"Because Luka was so small, my son would be holding the lead. Thinking how easily he could have been involved only adds to my horror."

The following morning the Genders reported the attack to Lismore City Council, which was followed up by a "compassionate" ranger a few days later.

"The ranger confirmed there was a ridge back dog registered as living at that address," she said.

"He told me that Council don't euthanise or seize the dog, but they would be labelling the dog as dangerous.

"The ranger assured me that Council were taking it very seriously and he was going to get around to the owner that day or the next day at the latest."

But weeks passed and after further contact, Ms Genders was again told they could not get onto the owner.

"He said he's put about 10 call cards in her mailbox," she said.

"There's been no restrictions placed on her dog.

"It feels wrong there are no consequence for her ... the only consequence has been that we've lost our dog in horrific circumstances."

She said it was simply an "inadequate and appalling" response from the council.

"My greatest fear is that could have been a child gets caught up in that and it could have been catastrophic," Ms Genders said.

"To bring closure, I need to know that Council has taken action to ensure the dog poses no danger to children or adults.

"We just want to know the outcome is.

"I won't be comfortable until we know."

The council's acting senior law enforcement officer, Craig Devonshire, said the council investigated and enforced these type of matters in line with Council's Enforcement Policy and associated guidelines.

"In a case such as this Council officers undertake an investigation and should action be required, Council could issue anything from a warning through to prosecution," Mr Devonshire said.

"Since the dog attack in November, Council has tried on numerous occasions to contact the owner.

"These attempts have been unsuccessful. The complainant has been notified by Council that this is the case and Council investigations are continuing.

"The owner in this case has not been able to be contacted and no action has been taken to date."

Mr Devonshire said there were not any dogs registered at this address on the Companion Animals Register that fit the description of the alleged offender.

"Council will continue to try and contact the owner through all means possible to ensure appropriate compliance action can be taken," he said.