More than 40 dogs seized by council so far this financial year

Locals residents have been left traumatised following a spate of terrifying dog attacks across the region. FIND OUT THE MOST DANGEROUS BREEDS.

Geelong’s most dangerous dogs: Breeds most seized by council

Staffordshire terrier crosses and American staffordshires are among the most dangerous dogs in our region, new data shows.

The City of Greater Geelong has seized 36 dogs and the Surf Coast Shire has seized 12 amid a spate of terrifying attacks this financial year.

One resident took to social media this month after her chihuahua was attacked by a large dog in Winchelsea.

The woman said her small dog had to be put down due to the nature of its injuries.

Another woman, from the Surf Coast, claimed her daughter’s two dogs were attacked by three mastiffs on Christmas Day at Point Impossible.

“They charged at us and attacked our two dogs,” she wrote on social media.

One of the resident’s dogs reportedly required a trip to the vet after the incident with soft tissue damage.

The City of Greater Geelong has put down 14 dogs this financial year while the Surf Coast Shire has put down two.

The staffordshire terrier cross, American staffy, bull terrier and staffordshire terrier were the most common breeds to be euthanised.

There have been 112 dog attacks reported to the City of Greater Geelong this financial year, with 36 attacks resulting in dogs being seized.

The breeds seized included staffy cross (9), American staffy (6), Siberian husky (6) and German shepherd (5).

Along the Surf Coast, 70 dog attacks were reported to council but upon further investigation “many did not meet the requirements of a dog attack”.

State legislation says councils can seize a dog and prosecute the owner if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites or chases another dog.

Acting City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Guy Wilson-Browne said: “Council officers investigate all dog attack reports and, where appropriate, take action through the Magistrates Court.”

Mr Wilson-Browne urged dog owners to ensure their pets remain in sight at all times and are able to obey voice commands.

There are 47,028 pets registered in the Greater Geelong, including 36,220 dogs, making it one of the largest animal populations of any Victorian municipality

There are 6,685 dogs registered with the Surf Coast Shire and 634 dogs with the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Residents can report dog attacks via their local council’s website.

Terrifying dog attacks from across the region:

Young girl attacked at home

A seven-year-old girl was attacked by two dogs while she was drawing with chalk out the front of her Curlewis home.

The young girl had been playing outside with two other children when the attack occurred in October 2020.

The girl’s father saw the dogs biting her and dragging her down the street before he freed his daughter by kicking the dogs.

The young girl spent two days in hospital and treated for 10 to 12 puncture wounds.

Toddler mauled in residential street

A rottweiler attacked a two-year-old girl in a residential street in Corio in October 2021.

A neighbour heard the child’s screams for help and emerged from his home to find the dog attacking the child.

The child was rushed to Royal Children’s Hospital with lower body injuries.

Another neighbour described the incident as “horrific” and said the family was “traumatised” after the attack.

Dog attack in Cloverdale Dr in Corio. Picture: David Smith

Woman, dog attacked by German shepherd

A Geelong woman was bitten by a German shepherd while she was walking her small dog in Belmont in October 2021.

The dog charged towards Jackie Smith and bit her on the hand.

Ms Smith described the incident as a “scary experience.”

“The dog was growling at me,” she said.

Maltese bitten by violent Siberian husky

A Siberian husky charged at and “violently” shook a small Maltese cross outside its home in 2020.

The dog was treated for multiple puncture bites, spinal muscle lacerations and internal bleeding.

The owner of the Siberian husky faced the Geelong Magistrates Court in March 2021 and was ordered to pay a $950 fine and repay vet bills.

Bulldog charged at labradoodle

A Surf Coast family were left traumatised after an Australian bulldog charged at their labradoodle at a popular Torquay beach.

Darren Watkins said the dog also rushed towards his children.

“My wife was traumatised and the kids were beside themselves … it was chaotic,” he said.

Darren Watkins with six year old daughter Zoe Watkins and labradoodle. The family were left traumatised after a dog attack in Torquay. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Boy attacked by labrador

A seven-year-old boy needed surgery and 10 stitches after being attacked by a labrador in April 2019.

The dog launched itself at the young boy and bit him on his right thigh while he was riding his bike home.

The labrador’s owner, Andrew Peek, faced Geelong Magistrates Court later that year.

He was sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $85.40 in legal fees.

Originally published as More than 40 dogs seized by council so far this financial year