ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON
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/DandenongJournal
Tuesday, 5 March, 2024
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Bus stops deal exposed
Yarraman poll still tight
Ruby’s 30km for charity
DDCA Grand Final previews
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Healthy inflation a joy Soapy bubbles were an alluring attraction for young and old at the annual Noble Park Community Fun Day last Saturday. Now in its third year, the day drew bumper crowds to its array of entertainment, foods and activities. MORE, TURN TO PAGE 10
Soap Bubbles were a huge attraction for Children, 391356 Picture: ROB CAREW
Dog-attack anger By Cam Lucadou-Wells
12672044-AV09-24
Greater Dandenong Council is investigating a surge of attacks at off-leash dog parks including a disturbing assault on a small dog and its owner at Wachter Reserve, Keysborough. Keysborough Ward councillor Tim Dark told a 26 February council meeting that the owner was severely bitten as she tried to save her small dog from two mauling Staffordshire terriers. The woman believed to be in her 80s was
later taken to hospital with wounds to her hands and stomach after the early-morning attack. According to a regular visitor at the dogpark, the owner’s beloved pet required emergency, specialised surgery and faced an “uncertain road to recovery”. The visitor believed the Staffies’ owner was a “recurring aggressor”. “Despite numerous attacks, (he) continues to bring his dogs to the park, endangering the safety and well-being of other dogs
and their owners.” Reported dog attacks in Greater Dandenong have surged 23 per cent in the 2023-’24 financial year. In the past eight months, there have been 49 reported attacks – up from 40 in the same period in 2022-’23. Cr Dark, who owns a puppy himself, says there had been “significant issues” at dog parks at Tatterson Park and Wachter Reserve. “This is concerning because it seems to be happening more and more often in dog parks
in our municipality.” He called for education of dog owners on the potential risks at dog parks as well as ensuring dangerous dogs aren’t taken to the sites. “Once dogs end up in an enclosed space, they get hyperactive due to other dogs there and the risk seems to be becoming significant.” “Certainly there have been a number of attacks recently,” the council’s community strengthening executive director Peta Gillies said in her response to Cr Dark’s issue. Continued page 6