Dog attack leaves owner shaken at Gladstone Park Secondary College
The owner of a dog savagely attacked in a Gladstone park has been left traumatised and is begging the offending dog’s owner to hand himself in.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The owner of a dog viciously mauled in Gladstone Park has begged the offending dog’s owner to come forward.
Lisa Marsiglia said she was walking her late brother’s red heeler, Missy, at Gladstone Park Secondary College about 8.50pm on December 27 when the pair was set upon by an unleashed dog.
“The dog looked like a bulldog mastiff cross and it was trying to grab Missy’s tail,” she said.
“It ripped off Missy’s collar and lead and I could see it was getting more violent so I put my arm in between to intervene.
“She’s the only living memory of my brother and I’d rather lose my arm than have her die.”
CITY OF HUME AT RISK OF OVERHEATING
EVIL MONSTER TOSSES KITTENS INTO TRAFFIC ON HUME HWY
CRAIGIEBURN RD DUPLICATION DESIGN UPSETS MOTORISTS
Ms Marsiglia said Missy was left traumatised with bloody wounds on her back, which required surgery costing more than $1100.
“I was shaking that bad and crying so much that I couldn’t even put her lead back on afterwards,” she said.
Ms Marsiglia immediately reported the incident to Hume Council and has made a desperate plea for the offending dog’s owner, who she described as a tall man with an olive complexion and short hair, to come forward.
She also urged others to keep their dogs on a leash.
The council’s corporate services director Daryl Whitfort said dogs must be on a leash throughout Hume, unless there was a sign indicating it was an off-lead area.
“Even if the dog is in an off-lead area, the owner is still responsible for ensuring the dog is under effective control,” he said.
“Everyone has the right to enjoy public land and its amenities without risk of being attacked or menaced by a dog.”
GLADSTONE COLLEGE SLAMMED FOR REJECTING VCAL STUDENTS
BROADMEADOWS SCISSORS STABBING SPARKS POLICE CALLS
BOY HIT BY CRAIGIEBURN SCHOOL BUS IN “FREAK ACCIDENT”
Council figures show about 177 incidents involving aggressive dogs were reported in Hume in 2017/18.
Under Victorian law, dog owners can be fined $242 on the spot if their dog is unleashed outside the designated areas, or if their dog is out of control in off-leash exercise areas.
The owner of a dog involved in a violent attack can be fined a maximum penalty of $6448 if the matter is taken to court.
Depending on the seriousness of the attack, the dog may be ordered to be put down or declared dangerous, which places it under strict conditions.
Members of the public should report threatening dogs who exhibit aggressive behaviour to Hume Council by phoning 9205 2200.
Dog attack reports should include a detailed description of the incident, including the location, time and date, plus a detailed list of any witnesses.
MORE NEWS
More than 300 guests to attend VAFA Awards Night
Guests are ready for all the formal action at the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) Awards Night this week. Check back to see all the glamour, class and pictures.
Ex-AFL gun takes Fitzroy Stars coaching reins
Following the disappointment of grand final defeat, Fitzroy Stars have received a massive boost with the appointment of Neville Jetta as coach for 2025.