Kodi’s owner faces legal bid

CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue their fight to change dangerous dog laws while the owner of the german shepherd at the centre of the campaign prepares to go to court.

Vicki Phillips, whose dog Kodi inspired the Kodi’s Army campaign, is being sued by the parents of a boy who was bitten by the dog when the 11year-old allegedly climbed into the german shepherd’s yard last year.

Kodi’s Army administrator Karen James said people were concerned about the pending legal action but it was important supporters focused on the end goal — changing Tasmania’s dangerous dog laws.

“We need to put the past in the past and look at the bigger picture while supporting Vicki through this process,” Ms James said.

The group has already taken its push to amend the laws to Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein. They want dogs protecting their property from trespass or themselves from physical harm to be exempt from being classified as dangerous.

In December last year, two young boys allegedly climbed the fence into Kodi’s Wynyard yard. One of the boys was injured by the dog. Kodi was also injured and needed surgery.

The Waratah-Wynyard Council classified Kodi as dangerous.

He was later euthanised because he was very unhappy and not coping with his new enforced and restricted lifestyle.

A third walk, to maintain pressure on the State Government to amend the laws, is being planned for the middle of next month.

“There has been no update from the government about its pledge to look into the issue,” Ms James said.

“We need to keep up the pressure.”

The Mercury tried to contact the father of the injured boy for comment.