Family left ‘traumatised’ after beloved pet brutally attacked in own Howrah yard
A Howrah mother says her family will have to move houses after they were left ‘traumatised’ from a brutal double-dog attack in their own backyard.
Tasmania
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Howrah resident Melanie Profeit is calling for better protections under the Dog Control Act after her pet was viciously attacked in her backyard by two other dogs.
Ms Profeit is still dismayed to this day that no action has been taken against a neighbour and owner of the two dogs after the brutal attack of her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Porthos in April left him with permanent nerve damage and psychological trauma.
She first learned of Porthos’ injuries after a neighbour called to let her know he had been attacked and taken to a local vet.
“We had left Porthos in our backyard securely while we were out of the house,” she said.
“A witness called and just explained that two dogs had broken through our fence into our yard and attacked him and we needed to rush to the vet because he was in a bad way.”
The injuries to Porthos were so extensive that he needed to be transferred to an emergency animal hospital in Moonah where veterinarians were able to save him at the cost of thousands of dollars.
After reporting the incident to the local Clarence City Council, as is required under the Local Government’s Dog Control Act 2000, Ms Profeit alleged that her neighbour refused to pay for the vet bills and has not yet faced any disciplinary action from council.
“I was told by council that they had closed the matter after an investigation and there wasn’t enough evidence or history to pursue action against the dogs’ owner,” she said.
“When a dog can be attacked in his own backyard and nothing gets done, there’s clearly something wrong with the regulations.”
Ms Profeit said she has no “other option” but to move homes now, with her five-year-old son too scared to play in their backyard or leave the house.
“We’re struggling emotionally as a family,” she said.
“My son is best friends with Porthos and he’s just terrified now, they both are.
“He’s told his school teachers that he doesn’t feel safe at home anymore.”
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley confirmed council had concluded its investigation into the attack, but was limited in what it could do under the Dog Control Act.
“My thoughts and concerns go out to Ms Profeit and her family,” he said.
“Dogs are a much-loved part of many families in our community and our goal is to promote a safe environment for both residents and their Dogs.
“In line with council’s statutory role under the Dog Control Act 2000, council is limited by what evidence is available in relation to any given case and can only act based on that evidence.”
Mr Blomeley said the council’s rangers had performed a “thorough investigation” of all available evidence and had concluded its investigation, but was unable to comment on the specifics of Ms Profeit’s case.
“Council may reconsider a decision if fresh and compelling evidence were to arise that changed the circumstances under which the decision was made,” he said.
Ms Profeit is currently fundraising via GoFundMe for her veterinary costs, as well as donating 40 per cent of all money raised to a compassion fund at Moonah’s Animal Emergency Service.
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