THERE were more than four dog attacks a week on average in Casey during the past year.

Latest council statistics show 215 dog attacks were reported in the 12 months to August — 65 of them against people and 150 against other animals.

Casey manager of safer communities Caroline Bell said the majority were classed as ‘minor’ attacks but there had also been some more serious cases.

“There have been cases of serious injuries on both people and animals and several reports of animal deaths as a result of dog attack,” Ms Bell said.

“Currently within the City of Casey dogs are required to be on a lead in any public place, other than a reserve, and at no time shall a person allow their dog to cause a nuisance or annoyance to any other person in a public place or reserve.

“Council reminds all dog owners to be extremely vigilant when it comes to their dogs and ensure they are secured, safe and sound on property at all times unless they are being exercised on a lead at all times.”

In one recent case a Berwick woman’s dog escaped from the house and savaged another dog so badly it died.

On October 12, Jacquelin McGregor was ordered to pay $922 in costs at the Dandenong Magistrates Court after her bull terrier escaped from her home while she was at work on September 4.

The terrier fatally attacked a pomeranian on the street in front of her owner.

The smaller dog spent five days in vet care with severe internal injuries, broken ribs, a broken leg and puncture wounds.

Her treatment cost more than $6000.

Ms McGregor, who represented herself, said she was “devastated” by the attack and the dog escaped because their new rental property had a fault with one of its doors that meant it did not always shut properly.

She said her dog was always muzzled when she was walked.

She said she and her three teenage children were the dog’s third owners and the dog had come to them with a broken tail, suggesting she was “tortured” by one of her previous owners.

Ms Bell said the said the matter would be referred to the council’s Dangerous Dog Committee.