City investigates almost 100 serious attacks

attacks. The latest data comes just days after dog owners faced the Geelong Magistrates’ Court for separate attacks that left a retiree and seven-yearold boy hospitalised.

The City of Greater Geelong has tallied 40 successful animal management prosecutions during the past two financial years, compared to 24 prosecutions in the previous two-year period.

“The number of prosecutions presented to the Magistrates’ Court has increased over the past two years in proportion to the reported number of serious dog attacks,” the report noted.

“Prosecutions are influenced by; the nature and scale of the attack; availability of reliable witnesses and adequate evidence, and; any prior history of noncompliance.”

Geelong planning, design and development director Gareth Smith said council was working “to minimise the number of animal incidents through our education and animal control measures, to help provide a safe community for all to share”.

Last week Leopold man Andrew Peek was sentenced to a good behaviour bond after his labrador attacked and hospitalised a seven-year-old boy as he rode his bike through a Leopold park in April.

City of Greater Geelong prosecutor Wayne Lugg said the boy was left with three puncture marks on his leg, requiring him to undergo surgery.

Council officers interviewed Mr Peek in March, with the labrador surrendered to the pound and euthanised.