Bayside Council: Dog attack and community outcry spurs plans for pet event

Community outcry and a vicious dog attack resulting in the death of a beloved pet has spurred a southern Sydney councillor to push for a council pet friendly event.

Bayside Labor councillor Jo Jansyn has flagged the idea of a pet friendly event. Picture: Supplied

A community event to promote responsible pet ownership could come to residents in Sydney’s south.

Bayside Labor councillor Jo Jansyn flagged the idea to introduce two new events in the community at this week’s council meeting.

One of them includes a Night Noodle Market in Wolli Creek, which aims to “celebrate and honour the cultural heritage of our community members who observe Lunar New Year” and encourage community participation in a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

The other proposed event is People and Pets to promote responsible pet ownership and pet information through “fun and educational activities”.

Labor Councillor for Bayside, Jo Jansyn. Picture: Facebook

It also outlined encouraging locals businesses, pet-related services and animal shelters to “engage with the community”.

The suggested activities include pet parades, pet adoptions in collaboration with local animal shelters, educational workshops on pet care and training and vet check ups and health advice booths.

Ms Jansyn told this publication that the pet event came from “residents’ suggestions”.

“During my term at council, residents have frequently asked me about compliance issues to do with cats and dogs,” Ms Jansyn said.

“So there’s a lot of opportunities to engage with residents and give them extra information. “They’re always wanting to know what the compliance matters are around dogs.

“And recently I was involved in helping a resident whose dog was actually killed by another off leash dog.”

Sandy Donohue (Ellie's owner) is supportive of the People and Pets event. Picture: Supplied

The incident involved 10-year-old cavoodle Ellie who was on a walk with one of her owners, Matthew Donohue. While Ellie was leashed, a vicious dog attacked the both of them and killed Ellie, leaving her family devastated.

“It’s been absolutely devastating,” Sandy Donohue, Matthew’s wife said.

“We’ve had her for 10 years. She was the sweetest cavoodle, I know everyone says that about their own dog, but she was very sweet and very timid. It’s been really devastating and really traumatising for my husband.”

It’s understood that this particular dog had three prior vicious dog strikes against it before this incident occurred, and it has since been euthanised.

Since losing Ellie, Mrs Donohue said she fully supported Ms Jansyn’s idea of a pet event for the community.

10-year-old Ellie who was attacked by an off leash dog, helped inspire the motion. Picture: Supplied

“I think it’s wonderful. I think pet owners need to be responsible, so by holding an event would be a great opportunity to bring everybody together to talk about (the) responsibilities of pet ownership,” she said.

While the motion passed unanimously for the events, it needs to be costed out before being brought back to council for further consideration.

However, Ms Jansyn noted that the response “has all been positive”.