Dog to be seized after vicious attack - The Canberra Times

The neighbourhood in Dunlop where a dog was shot by a police officer after reports of attacking people. Photo: Jay Cronan

Authorities are preparing to seize a dog involved in a vicious attack on three people in Canberra last week.

Officers were forced to shoot the highly aggressive dog, following reports it had bailed up three people and injured one in Dunlop on the evening of September 10.

A Territory and Municipal Services spokeswoman said the dog, believed to be a mastiff cross ridgeback, would be seized by Domestic Animal Services on Tuesday, and held pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

“The investigation is underway and it is expected that interviews with witnesses will be undertaken this week, depending on their availability,” she said.

“The investigation is expected to take two to three weeks to complete.”

Police had received three separate emergency calls about the dog, which bit one man and tore the clothing of a 17-year-old boy during the attack in the suburban dog park.

Acting Belconnen Station Sergeant Carolyn Uhe said an officer had lured the animal away from nearby members of the public before firing three shots, hitting the dog in the chest and leg.

The dog has since been assessed and does not have a history with Domestic Animal Services.

A TAMS spokeswoman said investigators would consider factors such as the seriousness of the attack before deciding whether the animal needed to be destroyed or released as a dangerous dog.

“If the dog is declared dangerous, the owner has the right to apply for a licence to keep a dangerous dog,” she said.

She said factors such as the security of the premises, potential impact on neighbours and likelihood of further attacks were considered before a licence was granted.

A total of 116 dogs were seized by Domestic Animal Services throughout 2012-13, following investigations into 87 attacks.

Following appeals, 21 of the 116 seized animals were euthanised.