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A Rathluba family has been left devastated after their much loved dog Max was viciously attacked and killed by three other dogs while enjoying a leisurely walk with its owner last week. The seven-year-old Moodle - a cross Maltese / Poodle - died from multiple injuries a short time after the attack despite the best effort of a veterinary surgeon to save its life. The family, who wish to remain anonymous, were speaking in an effort to raise awareness of the problem of off-leash dogs in the area and how owners must be reponsible for their dog's actions. "My wife was walking the dog around the lagoon at Rathluba when these three big dogs emerged from some trees and suddenly attacked Max," the father of two said. "It was so traumatic for my wife. She was fighting these three dogs off while she called out to the owner of the dogs to help her. Related: More off leash dog areas for Maitland "The other woman tried to call off her dogs but they just kept attacking. My wife was traumatised and finished with cuts and bites over her hands. She feels responsible for Max, which is unfair. "Max was timid and well known to other dogs owners in the area. He didn't have an aggressive bone in his body, yet he suffered a punctured lung, broken ribs, deep cuts and other injuries. "My wife lost her phone during all the fighting so she couldn't call me. She lifted Max up and carried him to a nearby house and the woman there kindly agreed to drive them to the vet. But Max was in a really bad way and couldn't be saved." The couple said the woman with the dogs was from outside the area. They point out that the off-leash area is near a playground and it is imperative that all dog owners are responsible for their dogs' actions. "Especially if you own a big dog," the husband said. " A little dog will never kill a big dog." They say the council ranger, when contacted later, was very helpful and that the woman with the three dogs will be fined. At the same time they feel council needs greater signage and fencing in the Rathluba area - things that council says on its own website are high priority. Council's community and recreation manager Laurie D'Angelo said signage relating to the off leash area is located at the front of the formal entrance to Rathluba Lagoon Reserve, but that it would review the current display. "The sign outlines the designated off leash area for the reserve which is separate to the playground and in accordance with Companion Animals Act 1998," Ms D'Angelo said. "Council will review the signage currently on the site and consider whether any further signage is required, and action this accordingly." Another resident, whose house overlooks the lagoon area, said she has seen this sort of thing before. Related: Some dog owners need to be brought to heel "The afternoon of the attack I called three other people who walk their dogs there to warn them to be careful," she said. "One woman has two little dogs and carries her infant strapped to her chest. Imagine if that was her. "I won't walk my dog there anymore. "I've seen a woman on horseback thrown off as dogs nipped her horse. I just don't understand why we have a children's play area so close to an off leash area either that clearly isn't signposted well enough. "People don't know where the off leash part starts and ends and that's very dangerous." Ms D'Angelo said irrespective of signage, council encouraged responsible dog ownership and offered sympathy to the family. "People have a right to feel safe in the community and it is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure the protection of others and to keep public areas safe for people to enjoy."

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