More than 120 dog attacks have been reported to Wagga City Council in the past 18 months.
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Seventy-three dogs were involved in attacks for the period July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, council’s manager environment and city compliance Mark Gardiner said.
Additionally, council’s records of of dog attacks from July 1, 2017, to December 30, 2017, show 48 canines were involved in incidents, he said
After recording a rise in dog attacks over a similar period, Albury City Council is running a new awareness campaign to combat dog attacks.
“Wagga City Council has an ongoing comprehensive program for community engagement promoting responsible pet ownership,” Mr Gardiner said
This includes Glenfield Road Animal Shelter (GRAS) open days and an adoption program, displays at community events, media releases and social media posts, and promoting off leash areas and responsibility for dogs being on leash in other areas.
Mr Gardiner said rangers patrolled public areas and responded to public reports of dogs off the leash and investigated reported aggressive dogs and dog attacks.
Cr Paul Funnell, a farmer, has lost stock to roaming dogs, and says owners must be held accountable for their pets.
He believes any campaign may fall on deaf ears with some dog owners, but others might learn from it.
Cr Kerry Pascoe said the close links between regional councils would make it easy for Wagga to work with others on the issue.
Cr Yvonne Braid said Wagga residents should report stray dogs to the council