A number of local dog owners are very concerned about the welfare of the husky in question who is called Smoochachos (Chachos). Chachos has been locked in the Stonnington Pound since 21 November, 2009. Chachos is a big dog, used to daily exercise (the owner and dog are seen regularly running in Fawkner Parkand surrounding area) and he is used to constant human company.
I'm a local dog owner and know Chachos very well and would describe his temperament as gentle. I have no reason to believe he would attack a child. I own two small dogs (terrier / poodle crosses) that play with Chachos regularly in Fawkner Park, South Yarra Park and Brighton Beach. I also walk past the salon twice a day and I stop to let the dogs play.
It also appears to be a case of trial by media as there are some allegations or misleading quotes that have appeared in the newspaper which are in stark contrast to my experience with Chachos:
Allegation - the dog is known to attack other dogs as they walk past the shop. My youngest dog gets excited whenever we approach the hair dressing shop, anxious to play with Chachos. Is this the behaviour of a dog that is scared of being attacked? Given the difference in the dog sizes, Chachos is very gentle - he will jump over my dog to avoid knocking into him and will lie down and let Ivan jump on top of him to play. I would welcome the opportunity to show the authorities the dogs playing together to demonstrate that Chachos is not aggressive towards other dogs or dogs passing by the shop. I have never witnessed the behaviour described by the media.
Allegation - the dog is fed in the shop. Chachos is not feed in the shop but in the back room that leads to the owner’s home and the door is closed to the general public. My dogs always head to be back room when visiting the shop as they know this is where Chachos’s is fed. My dogs regular share Chachos’s food and bones in the back room and Chachos has never shown any aggression - to the contrary. Again, I would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate Chachos’s behaviour with my dogs under these conditions. If Chachos had a chew stick or toy when the incident allegedly happened, I can't imagine he would snap at anyone.
Allegation - Chachos’s owners are uncaring. Like many of the local dog owners, I have enquired as to how Chachos's owners are coping. Madeline and Ghassan are very distressed and concerned for both the young girl and Chachos. The media made them out to be monsters. As far as being responsible dog owners, Chachos is treated exceptionally well. Chachos is taken on daily long walks and runs in the local parks and he goes everywhere with his owners. The physical condition of Chachos is evident of the care and attention given by his owners.
Although there were a number of people in the shop at the time of the incident (including the parents) it is very strange that no one actually saw Chachos bite the child, or hear him growl or show any form of
aggression towards the child. The child sustained a cut to her lip - does this constitute mauling? Has it been established that the injury was caused by a dog bite or from a fall on the marble floor? Where were the child’s responsible parents when the incident allegedly happened? There are three deep steps from the salon (where the child and parents were) to the top landing area where the dog was lying.
I'm not advocating that it is right for a dog to be in a shop. If it is illegal or found that the owners were negligent, then the authorities should fine the owners. But the parents also have a responsibily to take care of their child and the Department of Human Services should also investigate and take action. It also seems very suspicious that the media were on the scene immediately and anyone who saw pictures of the girl on the TV or in the newspaper could see clearly the child's face and the extent of injury.
The two innocent victims in this situation are the little girl and the dog. A few concerned dog owners are meeting at The Stonnington Council on Monday night at 6.30pm for a silent protest to show support to have the dog released. If I felt the dog was dangerous I would agree that it should be put down but given the circumstances and from my experience with the dog, it is far from dangerous.
If you feel the same way that I do about the situation, then please show your support by writing to the City of Stonnington -
[email protected]
