Pit bull attacks at Marks Park in off leash area, Tamarama

There are fears a dangerous dog may be in the eastern suburbs after a golden retriever suffered four deep gashes to its neck in a horror park attack.

A council is trying to track down the owners of a pit bull which almost ripped the throat out of a beloved 10-year-old retriever at Marks Park last month.

The shocking incident is one of 21 dog attacks investigated by the Waverley Council in the past year.

The golden retriever received four deep gashes to its neck and chest and required emergency surgery costing more than $2000.

The matter was reported to both Bondi police and the council.

The golden retriever's injuries after being stitched up

The golden retriever’s owner, who does not wish to be identified as he fears repercussion from the owners of the pit bull, said he has visited the Tamarama park on countless occasions prior without incident.

“After it happened I was holding the pit bull down by the neck and I said to the owner, ‘have you got your dog? Have you got your dog?’” he said.

“I ran to my dog who was obviously in huge distress and next thing he’d let the pit bull go and it was coming around again.”

A month after the attack the golden retriever is still recovering from the injuries and now rarely leaves the house save for an occasional stroll around the block.

A month later the pet is still recovering.

“He’s quite timid. We just don’t take him to the park anymore,” the owner said.

“I think they need to be held accountable – it’s always the owners’ fault not the animal itself.

“Ideally I’d just like us to all have the freedom to enjoy Bondi without being concerned about dangerous dogs and dangerous owners.”

A Waverley Council spokeswoman asked anyone with information to come forward.

“Waverley Council Officers are investigating a dog attack which occurred on a Sunday afternoon in Marks Park in which a dog believed to be a pit bull reportedly attacked a golden retriever which subsequently required emergency surgery,” the spokeswoman said.

The victim in happier times

“The owners of the alleged offending dog are described as being a man and a woman in their 30s.

“They allegedly left the scene after the attack.

“Council urges anyone with information to contact our Customer Service Centre on 9083 8000 to assist our investigations.”

The spokeswoman said the owners could be handed a fine or have their dog declared as dangerous.

Dangerous dogs must be desexed, micro chipped, registered, muzzled and wearing a red and yellow striped collar on a secure chain while in public.

When at home they be kept in a secure, purpose built enclosure with signs alerting the public of the presence of a dangerous dog.

They are never to be walked off leash, cannot be given away or sold and owners must pay a $195 yearly permit fee.