An elderly man was forced to defend himself with a walking stick when he was attacked by a dog in East Lismore last November.

Another East Lismore man has been fined $3000 and ordered to pay more than $1500 in court costs after his dog attacked the man.

Lismore City Council Rangers issued fines of $1595 in relation to the dog attack following an investigation, and the owner of the dog appealed the fines in Lismore Local Court.

Last Thursday Magistrate Heilpern increased the fine for the dog attack to $3000 and ordered the man to pay court costs of $1500.40.

Mr Heilpern said that the court needed to be clear and firm. ‘We need to send a message that strong penalties apply in relation to breaches of the Companion Animal Act . People should be able to walk down the street.’

Council’s Acting Executive Director Sustainable Development Peter Jeuken said he was pleased to see the court taking the matter seriously and warned irresponsible dog owners that Council would act to protect public safety.

‘We don’t take these matters lightly and we investigate all dog attacks and take appropriate enforcement action,’ said Jeuken. ‘Public safety is paramount and people have the right to walk around their neighbourhoods and city in a safe and secure manner.’