Cockatoo family devastated after beloved border collie savagely attacked
A Cockatoo family has been left devastated after their beloved border collie had much of his skin ripped off in an appalling attack. It comes after community reports of wild dogs roaming in the area. WARNING: Graphic images
South East
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A pack of wild dogs are feared to be on the loose after a beloved pet border collie was ravaged in a sickening attack in Cockatoo.
Aukje Van Vark, who lives on a large homestead near bushland, said her family discovered their dog Grizzly laying bloodied near their kitchen on Monday at 9pm.
“We didn’t notice the injuries straight away as he is of working line breeds and very tough on himself. He lay in front of the kitchen for a while (his night spot) before coming to ask for help,” Ms Van Vark said.
She said the family immediately rushed Grizzly to Avonsleigh Veterinary Clinic, where he underwent surgery for four hours.
“The skin was pulled off his body – it’s intact apart from a few punctures and a few superficial larger wounds.
“But the skin needed reattaching so they had to cut him open to be able to do that – that’s why he has so many sutures and drains.”
Ms Van Vark said the vet was sure Grizzly had been attacked by dogs due to nature of the injuries he sustained.
“We discussed the possibilities of deer, kangaroos or pig, but he is sure it’s dogs between 10-20kg – not bigger as they would have killed him.”
“The vet said he has never seen anything this severe.”
She said she had reported the incident to Cardinia Council.
“We haven’t been called back yet, but we did the first step of reporting – we are just so shocked by it all.”
Several residents have also taken to Gembrook’s Community Noticeboard to voice concerns about a “band of feral dogs in the area”.
One woman, who also lives in Cockatoo, said: “I'm often outside most nights between 2 – 5am. Nearly every night I hear a pack of dogs coming from the creek area. I have reported it to the rangers.”
Another wrote: “Saw them a while back having a feast on a dead wombat in the middle of the road.”
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Cardinia Council general manager infrastructure and environment Peter Benazic said the council was investigating the incident and was unable to provide any information at this stage.
“Council received 198 reports of possible breaches of Section 29 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 in 2019,” Mr Benazic said.
“This figure included reports of matters that may have involved dog attacks, rushes only, other perceived aggressive dog behaviour, and reports that were determined to be unfounded.”