MAGISTRATE HORRIFIED BY DOG ATTACK ‘SAVAGERY’
A DOG attack left a retiree in hospital for five days after she was mauled on a Grovedale street.
The 61-year-old woman was passing a couple walking two akitas on July 8 when one of the animals lunged at her.
The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard the incident happened on Pethajohn Pde when the male dog forced the woman to the ground and bit down on her lower leg, before attempting to drag her with his mouth.
She was later taken to Geelong hospital where she required a range of treatments, including plastic and reconstructive surgery.
The court was told the wounds could have been more severe if it had not been for the presence of an off-duty paramedic, who provided first aid until an ambulance arrived.
A magistrate yesterday described the woman’s injuries as “horrific” as he fined the dog’s owner $2200.
Ryan Wheelahan had been walking the four-year-old dog, pictured, on a short lead when it launched the attack without warning.
Representing himself in court, the carpet layer said he had been attracted to the akita breed due to its “loving nature”, adding that the incident was “shocking” and unexpected. “It’s so out of character for him to do,” Wheelahan said. “I’ve never seen him behave aggressively to anyone.” The City of Greater Geelong seized the animal one day after the incident, before it was put down two weeks later with Wheelahan’s consent. The court heard the accused and his partner were yet to take their other akita for a walk since the street attack.
Magistrate Ross Maxted was shown images of the woman’s injuries and said it was one of the worst he had seen in his career.
“I’ve been sitting on the bench for a while now and I must say this is one of the first times I’ve seen a dog injury of such savagery,” Mr Maxted said.
He said owning certain animals came with risks, however he believed Wheelahan deserved leniency for his early guilty plea and the fact his dog had “paid the ultimate price” by being put down.
He fined Wheelahan but chose not to impose a conviction.