Brumby Vows Laws Against Dangerous Dogs

[k9angel]

Premier John Brumby has assured Victorians tough new laws to crack down on dangerous dogs will be introduced shortly, following a savage dog attack.

A 67-year-old woman nearly had her arm torn off by a Staffordshire pitbull-cross she was looking after in Portland on Tuesday.

Mr Brumby said the government had already announced new laws to tackle dangerous dogs and they would be introduced soon.

"We've committed to tougher penalties, there's legislation that will be introduced into the parliament in the very near future which gives effect to that," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"This will involve tougher penalties, some curtailment of people's rights and for dangerous dogs that aren't identifiable and that are roaming the streets, council officers will be able to apprehend them and put them down within 24 hours."

Mr Brumby said a 2005 Victorian ban on breeding and importing American pitbulls had seen their numbers decline.

But the government decided at the time that it would be an overreaction to force the animals to be destroyed.

The woman, who suffered severe injuries to both arms and face, is recovering in The Alfred hospital in Melbourne and listed in serious but stable condition.

She had been attacked in an unprovoked mauling by the family pet that lasted for several minutes.

Neighbours had to beat the dog away with a wheelie bin.

The dog was killed by police following the vicious attack.

[poodlefan]

As predicted yesterday, it was bound to happen. ;)

Won't work to prevent these sorts of tragedies though.

Lets keep in mind that this attack happened in a family home by a dog with no history with council. WTF still more laws preventing dangerous dogs roaming will do to help is beyond me.

Edited March 24, 2010 by poodlefan

[spottychick]

Well that was predictable. *rolls eyes*

How about passing the "Oscars law" legislation and that way you'll have less chance of 'dangerous dogs' popping up in the first place?

Oscars Law