Hunt on for killer dog after mauling family cat to death in Greensborough

When a Greensborough man’s pet cat followed him outside as he took the rubbish out, he thought nothing of it. But as the feline was “watching the world go by”, it was attacked by a vicious dog and left with fatal injuries including a broken back.

The Lyons’ family cat, Harry, was mauled to death on July 11 by a dog that was off its leash at the time.

Council rangers are scouring Greensborough for a dangerous dog after it mauled a family’s beloved cat to death.

Reece Lyons said he went to take the rubbish out at 7pm on Thursday, July 9 when his cat, Harry, followed him outside the Sainsbury Ave home.

Harry remained on the front door step “watching the world go by as he did a thousand times (before)” when a “big commotion” suddenly disturbed the Lyons family.

“I rushed out to the front garden and I immediately saw a woman reaching into our hedge and pulling out a dog — what looked to be an American staffy — then I heard a metallic click and she was off with the dog like a rocket,” Mr Lyons said.

“I went out with a torch later and found Harry under the hedge — he looked awful and in absolute agony.

“No pet owner deserves to see their pet like that.”

The 12-year-old feline suffered a broken back, dislocated leg and serious internal injuries.

He died later that night.

Harry was a much-loved pet.

“If that dog was on a leash, none of this would have happened,” Mr Lyons said.

“To have a dog like that off the leash on the street in such a built-up area is absolute madness — there is a primary school around the corner, it’s just irresponsible.”

Banyule Council is investigating the incident.

Mayor Wayne Phillips said heavy penalties could apply if responsible pet ownership rules were broken.

“This is a timely reminder for pet owners to consider the safety of other animals and community members,” he said.

“Dogs must be on a lead if being walked on streets.

“Any penalties will be determined by the Magistrates’ Court upon the matter being taken there following the investigation.”

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Mr Lyons’ wife Jan said responsible pet owners did not deserve to suffer the trauma of losing a family animal because of the careless actions of others.

“It’s the first time in 33 years where I’ve woken up and had no cat to feed,” she said.

“I hope the woman is found and hope she takes ownership of what her dog has done.

“We don’t blame the dog, we blame the owner — they (pets) need to be properly trained and looked after and that is the pet owner’s responsibility.”

The council has received five reports of similar incidents in the past six months.

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