Rangers lash out at owners

City of Busselton rangers have lashed out at irresponsible dog owners as the number of dog-related offences in the city continues to climb.

City of Busselton figures showed 32 cases against dog owners were brought to court in 2010-11, with 21 cases to date this financial year and another five pending.

An additional 337 infringements were issued in 2010-11, with 195 issued to date.

City ranger and emergency services manager Tim Wall said the numbers looked likely to exceed last year’s, and it was of concern to see it on an upward trend.

“Some people are not taking their pet ownership seriously and there seems to be an attitude that there is no harm in dogs wandering the streets or the beach,” he said.

Mr Wall said the City had received many dog-related complaints and believed rangers were spending too many resources on animal control.

“We will continue to take a strict approach and make no apologies for issuing any infringements,” he said.

Busselton Vet Hospital veterinarian Belinda Cussons said she had noticed an increase in the number of dogs being brought in for treatment for attacks, especially over summer.

“The biggest problem is dogs being left off the lead attacking other dogs, and we’ve seen some really traumatic cases recently, not just for the dogs but the owners as well,” she said.

Dr Cussons said the cost of treating the dogs was often enormous, with many owners having to pay.

Nationally accredited dog trainer Tessa Gaskell said responsible dog ownership always involved training.

She said enrolling puppies in a preschool had long-lasting effects on adult behaviour as it was vital to socialise dogs from a young age.

Country Road resident Tracey Bower this week had to take the family dog to the vet after it was attacked by another dog.

Mrs Bower said her nine-year-old daughter Rainee had been left traumatised after a dog on a leash bit her dog as she was walking it.

“The woman had apparently been struggling to control the dog … and did not even stop to check if our dog was fine or that my daughter was OK,” she said.

Mrs Bower said dog owners should take responsibility for their pets.

“If they think a dog can be nasty, muzzle it or keep it on a short lead,” she said.