Rangers have seized a prize-winning kelpie that allegedly attacked a six-year-old girl at a Balliang East property earlier this year.
After a two-month investigation, Moorabool council officers
attended the property last Monday and took the animal to a secure
location.
The dog will remain impounded until the matter is heard in court in early October.
The girl underwent reconstructive microsurgery after suffering extensive facial injuries.
Council chief executive Rob Croxford said because the attack
occurred at a private residence, it was the council’s responsibility to
investigate.
He said investigators had liaised with the victim’s family, the dog’s owners, lawyers and police since the attack in June.
Following reports that the girl’s family had been frustrated with
the delay, Mr Croxford said the investigation had to be conducted
thoroughly.
“This is a very difficult matter for everyone involved,” he said.
“I commend the work done by our council officers in the way they have
worked through all the complex issues.”
Under the Domestic Animals Act, a dog that has attacked can be
seized and destroyed immediately, or impounded while the matter is
investigated.
A separate attack on a two-year-old girl occurred in Toolern Vale on August 8.
Paramedics rushed the toddler to the Royal Children’s Hospital with facial injuries after she was bitten about 5.30pm.
