A VICIOUS dog attack that left a dog owner with a $200 vet’s bill is being investigated by Frankston Council.
Maria, who did not want her surname published, was walking her elderly mother’s dog in Ballam Park at about 5pm on Saturday 19 July when it was set upon by two aggressive dogs, possibly bull mastiffs, in front of the Long Island Cricket clubhouse.
Maria said the attack was “completely unprovoked”.
“My mother’s dog is a 14-year-old German short haired pointer dog with a very docile temperament,” she said.
The aggressive dogs were being walked in the off-leash area by a man and woman who “were very reluctant to call off their dogs”, according to Maria.
“I yelled and screamed when it looked like the dogs were coming in for the kill.”
She claimed the male dog walker tried to “intimidate” her, “smelled of alcohol” and carried “a huge pole which could have been used as a weapon”.
After the attack, Maria said the owners of the dogs “were very hostile and refused to give me their details”.
She described the male dog owner as being about 168 centimetres tall with short brown hair cut very short on the sides and longer on the top. He wore a red weather proof jacket and light colour trousers.
The female dog owner, about 162 centimetres in height, had shoulder length mousy brown hair colour tied in a ponytail and spoke with an accent. She wore a jumper and trousers.
Frankston police told Maria to report the incident to Frankston Council after she called 000. She said the council’s park ranger had been helpful but “there is only so much they can do”.
Maria said other dog owners should be made aware of the “irresponsible” couple since they displayed no remorse even after her mother’s dog was bleeding from its neck.
“I’ve asked the council to increase monitoring by their rangers, particularly during weekends which tends to attract walkers who are not necessarily locals, as I’ve never seen them or their dogs here before.”
The latest incident was the second time her mother’s dog has been mauled in Ballam Park this year. Maria said she was worried a child could be savaged since there are children’s playgrounds in the park.
Frankston Mayor, Cr Darrel Taylor, said “the vast majority of dog owners who use Ballam Park are responsible owners who control their dogs and this is very pleasing” but confirmed council is investigating the attack on Maria’s mother’s pet.
“Anyone who witnessed the attack in Ballam Park should contact council on 1300 322 322. Our officers are continuing to investigate and we have increased surveillance of Ballam Park.”
There were 224 dog attacks reported to Frankston Council in 2013.
