REPORTED: Council is calling on the community to point the finger at dangerous dogs.

REPORTED: Council is calling on the community to point the finger at dangerous dogs. dageldog

THERE are eyes everywhere when it comes to monitoring the behaviour of pets, as the Southern Downs Regional Council is calling on residents to report dangerous dogs in the community.

After a child was killed by a dog in Inverell at the weekend, the council has put the call out to resident to point the finger at dogs behaving viciously in order to prevent attacks.

Mayor Tracy Dobie said it was not about dobbing dogs in but residents taking close calls with dangerous animals seriously.

There were members of the community who had almost been attacked by dogs but had not reported the incident, she said.

"I think it's important that people take responsibility when they do witness an incident,” Cr Dobie said.

"They will raise awareness about dangerous or vicious dogs that may prevent an incident happening in the future.”

Cr Dobie said the death of the child highlighted the council's responsibility to enforce rules around vicious animals.

"We have a lot of dogs as pets in our region and only recently there were figures about the large number of dogs handed in on a regular basis to our pounds,” she said.

"It's about being aware of a pet and training and managing that pet.

"If there is an animal that is posing a danger then it needs to be reported.”

Dangerous dogs are classified as those that have seriously attacked, or acted in a way that caused fear to another person or animal.

A report can also be made if a person believes the dog may commit a serious attack due to the way it is behaving.

Depending upon the severity of the attack the dog may be seized, impounded or destroyed, in addition to the owner being fined or prosecuted.

Cr Dobie said residents could avoid having pets reported by taking responsibility for managing their pet.

"Choosing the right dog for your environment and keeping your dog well trained and well managed,” Cr Dobie said.

The complainant will be asked to complete a statutory declaration with sufficient information to provide the council with grounds to investigate. The identity of the complainant will remain confidential in any correspondence from the council.

Reports can be made by phoning the council on 1300697372.