A dog who brutally mauled the face of a six-year-old girl, leaving permanent scars and ripped out a tooth, has been spared death.
In a May 27 hearing at the Ballarat Magistrates Court, the dog’s three owners, Stuart, Denise and Anthony were found guilty of owning a dog that caused serious injury.
The prize-winning Kelpie, named “Mack”, attacked the little girl at the Wilsons’ Balliang farm on June 22 last year.
The Wilsons, who are the relatives of the victim, must pay nearly $12,000 for the dog’s pound costs, a $2000 fine each and court costs.
However, the magistrate refused to sentence “Mack” to death, leaving Moorabool council to impose conditions for the owners before their pet is returned to them.
In a closed session on June 4, Moorabool councillors voted to place restrictions on the dog, including keeping it in a secure location, and having it muzzled when it is not working and when there are visitors at the property.
Moorabool Mayor Paul Tatchell said that community safety was paramount, which was why the council vigorously pursued the matter through the court.
“This case should serve as a reminder to animal owners to supervise their animals properly, particularly if they mix with children,” Cr Tatchell said.
The council had originally requested that the dog be put down.
“Current legislation is really wide-eyed when it comes to working dogs … it’s not distinct enough in situations where a farm dog has injured a person,” said CrTatchell.
“We need to put a policy in place so we can deal with working dogs. We live in a rural region, so the problem may come up again.”
