Dog owner speaks out after savage attack on man in Frankston
The owner of a dog that left a Frankston grandfather in hospital needing a skin graft is facing charges over the attack. But she says her pet, which has been seized by authorities, is calming for her autistic daughters. WARNING: Graphic image
South East
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The owner of a dog that ripped the hand of a man at Frankston said her pet has always been gentle and is the beloved companion of her two disabled daughters.
Frankston mother-of-two Melanie Kent told Leader her family’s boxer dog Amy had a “beautiful” nature and that the family had been left shaken after it launched at grandfather Gary Ward as he rode his mobility scooter along Heatherhill Rd on Sunday.
The 69-year-old was taken to Frankston Hospital where he underwent a skin graft on his left hand.
“I’m upset for everyone involved … Amy helps calm my young daughters down when they are anxious,” Ms Kent, 44, said.
“One of my daughters has Down syndrome and autism and the other has autism, an intellectual disability and anxiety disorder.
“Amy has always had a beautiful nature, she (wouldn’t even) take food out of the kids’ hands.”
The eight-year-old boxer was seized by Frankston City Council on Tuesday night after the Kent family contacted Mr Ward’s family through social media.
Mr Ward’s daughter Meg told the Leader her father was “still sore” and is wearing a sling but said they did not want the pet to be put down.
“We are glad the dog hasn’t been put down as we were angry at (the owner’s) actions … they (should) be given an order from the council for the dog to be muzzled in public,” she said.
There were 219 dog attacks reported across the Frankston region last year, including one incident when an out-of-control rotweiler savagely attacked a man who was walking in Langwarrin in November.
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Ms Kent was charged with owning a dog that bit a person causing serious injury, failing to have effective control of a dog in public and failing to register a dog.
“Council have seized the dog in question in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act and it will remain in Council’s custody while the matter is investigated,” a Frankston City Council spokeswoman said.
“Our officers would like to thank members of the public who provided information to assist in the early stages of this investigation.”
The council wouldn’t comment on whether the dog would be put down.
Ms Kent will appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on February 20.