Great dane mastiff-cross killed Mornington neighbour’s beagle after escaping through broken fence
A pair of dog owners has been left without their beloved pooches after busted fence palings led to a great dane mastiff-cross escaping and severely mauling a beagle in Mornington.
South East
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Two dogs have died, a pair of Mornington neighbours has been left heartbroken and one woman severely out of pocket, just because of a broken fence.
In a harrowing hearing at Frankston Magistrates’ Court yesterday, it was revealed busted palings led to a great dane mastiff-cross escaping and severely mauling a beagle.
The poor pooch had to be euthanised due to her horrific neck and throat wounds and the killer dog was surrendered and later destroyed.
Kristine Margaret Gorrie pleaded guilty to Mornington Peninsula Shire by-law charges of being the owner of a dog that caused serious injury resulting in death and being the owner of a dog found at large.
The court heard Gorrie’s neighbour arrived home to find her beloved beagle, Annie, in the yard covered in blood, with great dane-cross Harley standing next to her, about 1.40pm on June 3.
The woman rushed to Annie’s aid and found her drenched in blood, rain and mud, with a large cut on her neck and puncture wounds on her head.
She took Annie to the vet but the dog could not be saved.
Harley was taken back to his home by another neighbour.
The attack was reported to the shire. Two rangers attended Gorrie’s property and took Harley to the pound, where he was later put down.
In court. Gorrie’s defence lawyer said the attack was a very sad and emotional incident for the 45-year-old stable hand and her neighbour.
The lawyer said Harley had been a RSPCA rescue dog which Gorrie took into her care about 18 months ago.
He said Harley had been a loved member of her family, everyone was traumatised by the incident and Gorrie was genuinely remorseful.
She had fixed up the fence and paid for vet and cremation bills for both dogs, he said.
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Magistrate Julian Ayres said the deaths were a tragic outcome for all involved.
“I certainly accept no-one intended anything like this to happen,” Mr Ayres said.
“Cleary she (Gorrie) is very fond of animals, there has been no sign of maltreatment or any other irregularities.
“Harley managed to escape and it unfortunately resulted in death.”
Gorrie was placed on a good behaviour bond for six months and fined $750 with council costs of $124. No conviction was recorded.