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The Shoalhaven City Council area had the third highest number of reported dog attacks in NSW in the last quarter. An Office of Local Government report has revealed from April 1 to June 30, Shoalhaven recorded 42 dogs attacks, only behind Central Coast 137 and Lake Macquarie 63, out of 1148 reports statewide for that period. The statistics come after two recent dogs attacks at Worrigee, including one where a much-loved family pet was killed. Those attacks have left the founder of the Protect Shoalhaven Dogs group Lita Lynch devastated. Ms Lynch launched the group after her daughter Kristie and their dog Nala were attacked by an unrestrained dog in 2014. “This sort of thing just should not be happening,” said Ms Lynch who launched the group on Facebook. “This attack where an elderly man was bitten and one of the two dogs he was walking killed was devastating. “I can’t start to think what the poor man is going through, having witnessed his pet killed in front of him. It’s heartbreaking. “It could have also been so much worse, what if he had fallen over and the dogs had turned on him? “And then we hear a child was also injured the same week.” Ms Lynch said their Facebook group has more than 1000 followers and 300 plus likes, yet when she has tried to contact Shoalhaven City Council over the issues of roaming dogs has not received a reply. “I contacted all the candidates prior to the last council election,” she said “I also contacted all the mayoral candidates separately. “They all agreed there was a problem with unrestrained straying dogs in the city. “Once the councillors were elected I again contacted them all and also contacted the new mayor who said the number one most complained issue in the city was stray dogs. “But nothing else has been done. “Council is well aware of the issue but is doing nothing.” She said it doesn't take much for people to ensure their fences are study so their dogs can’t get out. “If people want to keep their dogs out of trouble, and the majority of dog owners do, they need to ensure their fences are right,” she said. “Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 the owner of a dog is liable for damages in respect to injuries [whether fatal or not] to another animal.” She said she had also contacted council’s general manager and even Kiama MP Gareth Ward. Ms Lynch believes council should employ more rangers to combat the problem. “Simply we need more rangers,” she said “I know for a fact you can ring a ranger and it could take up to two hours for them to arrive. If you’ve got an unwanted, perhaps vicious dog in your yard or are confronted while out walking what are young going to do for two hours?” She said the issue had become an animal welfare issue. “Dogs are suppose to be man’s best friends. They have become companion animals,” she said. “Allowing these sorts of things to happen is not how your should treat a companion.” She also called for harsher penalties for dog owners who animals were continually wandering unrestrained and better education for owners. Shoalhaven City Council has 10 rangers and two administration staff looking after dog management along with the RSPCA who manage council’s animal shelter A council spokesperson said ranger services educate at the point of contact with pet owners and alleged offenders and via mailouts, media releases, social media, council’s website and reception areas. “Council also unites with animal welfare groups when they have microchip and desex voucher days providing education,” the spokesperson said. “Information is also provided by other stakeholders such as vet clinics and animal welfare groups. RSPCA have had regular spots on local radio. “The community service – ‘Lost and Found pets’ on facebook also provides information. The office of local government has a great deal of information on their website.”

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