TWO fresh incidents of domestic dog attacks in Nyah, one of which resulted in the euthanasia of a wallaby, have prompted renewed calls for local dog-owners to keep their dog under control.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria officers have investigated two incidents of domestic dogs harassing wildlife in the Nyah-Vinifera Park north of Swan Hill over the past three weeks.
The incidents come several months after a spate of dog attacks on farm sheep in Nyah West and Wood Wood.
DELWP wildlife officer Glenn Smith said DELWP, Parks Victoria and Swan Hill Rural City Council wanted to remind dog-owners they were ultimately responsible for their pets’ actions.
“Wildlife Officers received a call from a member of the community who witnessed an attack. Officers found a wallaby with serious injuries sustained from a dog attack. As a result the wallaby had to be euthanised,” Mr Smith said.
“Under section 48 of the Wildlife Act 1975, if a dog attacks, bites or chases wildlife while at large on public land, the owner is guilty of an offence and could face a penalty of up to $3791.
“Authorised officers also have the authority to put a dog down if they reasonably believe an offence is being committed and is deemed absolutely necessary.”
For more on this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (August 7).
