Dog owner heartbroken at deadly pit bull attack

A Utakarra woman said two pit bull dogs attacked and killed her two-year-old dachshund cross dog — after she had reported “the strays” to rangers months earlier.

Chantelle Rosenthal was devastated when the dogs mauled and killed her dog in the vacant block next door.

“It was really heartbreaking, especially for the children to witness, ” she said.

“The kids were devastated too.

“We had to put up with him suffering all night-long. We tried our best, there wasn’t much we could do to stop the blood.”

Ms Rosenthal claimed the dogs which killed her canine had been around the area for months.

“The strays have been seen by people around here for months, ” Ms Rosenthal said.

“I first reported them a while ago, and have done the same on a number of occasions.

“There was an incident when they once chased my children right to my front door.

“I reported that to the police.”

Meanwhile, a leading vet in Geraldton said his surgery was seeing “a lot more cases of dog versus dog attacks”.

“Obviously, we put dogs down after they have been injured, but there are some owners who will nearly pay anything to have their dog survive, ” the vet, who wanted to remain anonymous, said.

“It can be heartbreaking for people. Owning dogs is like anything — you get the people who are responsible and you get those who are not. Sadly, those people seem to be above the law.”

And the vet also issued a warning to adults thinking of buying pets as Christmas presents for their children.

“Think about it long and hard. Think who is going to look after the animal once the novelty has worn off, ” the vet said.

“And an uncared for dog or animal starts roaming — and getting into trouble.”

The City of Greater Geraldton said 907 dogs had been impounded in 2014. This figure, according to the Director of Sustainable Communities Phil Melling, is down on last year. Nearly 900 dogs were impounded in the first nine months of 2013.

Mr Melling said the City has been cracking down on dog owners, ensuring their dogs are controlled and confined to properties.

He said the City is targeting known areas where dogs are often out and under no effective control.

“Many $200 fines have been issued and this with the impound fees can be a very strong message, ” he said.

“The City also continues to fine and prosecute through the court offences relating to dog attack.

“Coming into Christmas, fines and court costs can be untimely and unwelcome, simple measures and diligence can prevent this from happening.”