Two dogs, accused of a string of attacks at Lemon Tree Passage, are under investigation.
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Paramedics and the police were called to one incident on December 17, when an elderly woman sustained a bite to her wrist and was knocked to the ground on Meredith Street. This was after another walker’s dog was set upon – an attack that required stitches to its neck, on September 16.
While Port Stephens Council last week confirmed the dogs are under investigation, residents want the matter resolved swiftly.
“People aren’t able to walk their dogs without fear of these vicious and dangerous dogs being loose and attacking them,” Mallabula Anglican Church Dog Obedience Group president Michael Young said.
“There are many older people – even children – who walk dogs in Lemon Tree Passage.”
Mr Young said he had been made aware of other attacks believed to be the work of the same dogs.
Residents were tired, he said, of what appeared to be “council’s inaction”.
“We want to know if council will be taking further action to ensure these dogs won’t be allowed to roam freely anymore,” he said.
The council has declined to comment on either the detail of the attacks or the nature of the investigation.
Mr Young said one of the rangers had informed him the dogs had been placed on the dangerous dogs register and must be muzzled in public.
“The important thing is that council follows up to make sure the owners comply,” Mr Young said.
A spokesman for the council said there was a well-established process rangers had to follow.
“We acknowledge the perception in the community that if a dog attacks, the rangers will simply attend the scene and take the dog away but for the majority of the time, this is not the case,” he said.
“These matters are dealt with on a case-by-case basis under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
“They are informed by the evidence available and the rangers' judgement, with particular reference to the temperament of the dog in question and its suitability to exist in our community without posing a risk to other animals or residents.”
NSW Ambulance Media said the woman, in her 70s, opted to make her own way to hospital for treatment to the gash on her wrist.