1 in 5 Vic dog owners say they or their dogs have been attacked by another dog

At least six dog attacks are recorded in Melbourne every day, with experts breaking down the key factors behind aggressive behaviours. See which LGAs had the most attacks.

Melbourne councils have recorded more than 3300 dog attacks in the past 18 months.

 

At least six dog attacks are recorded in Melbourne every day, new data has revealed, with one in five Victorian dog owners reporting either they or their pooches have been the victim of an attack.

Statistics obtained from Melbourne councils revealed there were more than 3300 dog attacks — including attacks on humans, dogs and other animals — in the past 18 months.

The City of Casey — which has more than 27,400 registered dogs — recorded 276 incidents that caused injury during the 2023/24 financial year — an 8 per cent increase on the previous year.

Casey’s Connected Communities manager Callum Pattie said dogs that were “not adequately socialised with other animals” were more likely to demonstrate aggressive behaviour.

“Public places such as parks and streets are the most common locations for dog attacks, usually involving dogs that have escaped from their home property or that were not being kept under effective control while in public,” he said.

“Evidence shows that most dog attacks and dog rushes occur when dogs are not contained to their property.”

Several councils recorded increases in the amount of dog attacks recorded.

It comes as a recent Victorian pet census revealed 20 per cent of owners said they or their dogs had been attacked by another dog.

Restricted breeds in Victoria that are considered “high risk to community safety” include American pit bull terriers, presa canario, dogo argentinos, Japanese tosas and fila brasileiros.

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The maximum penalty for breeding a restricted breed is six months jail.

Investigators from the City of Hume in Melbourne’s north responded to 242 reports — a 17 per cent increase on the previous year, with the council’s hotline for dog attacks open 24/7.

Wyndham in Melbourne’s west — which has nearly 20,000 registered dogs — received 245 reports this year from January to the end of October this year, with 174 “resulting in investigation”.

Frankson recorded a 15 per cent increase this year in dog attacks, while attacks in Port Phillip jumped from 47 in 2023 to 82 this year.

Ballarat recorded 213 attacks in the past 12 months of which 16 were considered serious and prosecuted.

Greater Shepparton recorded a 22 per cent increase in attacks — from 75 to 97.

Fourteen incidents from Manninham Council resulted in infringement or prosecution this year for animal aggression.

Earlier this year Manningham council officers conducted a major check on properties with “large dogs” to ensure they were contained after two dogs allegedly attacked livestock at Wonga Park.

Last month Australia Post revealed Caroline Springs and Hoppers Crossing recorded the most dog attacks on posties in the past six months.

Australia Post says more than 49 Posties fell victim to dog attacks in the past six months. Picture: Australia Post

Australia Post says more than 49 Posties fell victim to dog attacks in the past six months. Picture: Australia Post

Greater Geelong had a slight decrease in the past 12 months with 212 total incidents — down from 224.

Geelong recorded 61 “serious attacks” on animals and 19 on humans in the past 12 months.

Greater Dandenong recorded 39 attacks this year — 18 on people and 21 on animals.

Most councils — including many in regional Victoria — recorded a decrease in attacks after the introduction of Animal Management Safety Plans.

Nillumbik in Melbourne’s north was among the municipalities wiht the biggest decrease, witht he amount of attacks coming down from 57 to 35 this year.

The City of Yarra also had a decrease with 64 attacks so far this year — down from 97 in 2023.

City of Melbourne also recorded a 22 per cent decrease this year.

Mornington Peninsula Shire has had 87 reports of attacks so far this year after more than 144 in 2023.

Dog attacks in the the Yarra Ranges — which encompasses areas like Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges — decreased by more than 25 per cent in the past 12 months.

Since the introduction of new “leash laws” in Benalla — where dogs are only allowed off-lead at a handful of public places — the number of attacks have declined from 32 in 2022 to 24 this year.

RSPCA veterinary specialist in animal behaviour Dr Gabrielle Carter said aggresive behaviour was mostly based on “fear and anxiety”.

“It’s important for dog owners to know how to read their pet’s body language and know how to respond appropriately,” she said.

“Signs a dog is feeling uncomfortable include wide eyes. ears back, bared teeth, wrinkles around the mouth or forehead, frequent yawns or licking of their lips.”