Media Response - Kensington Park Dog Attack

Published on 13 September 2024

Compressed Dog Image.jpg

Response to The Advertiser.

The journalist asked for comments about an alleged dog attack in Kensington Park:

  • Is the Council aware of the incident?
  • What action has been taken by the council to address this incident?
  • What are the current repercussions for the owners of aggressive dogs involved in attacks?
  • How many dog attacks have been reported to the council this year?
  • The victim has expressed concerns that the attacking dog was allowed to be off-leash at Bradman Reserve, which is not enclosed, allowing it to run free. Does the council plan to address this/update off-leash rules to exclude green areas that aren’t enclosed? Why/why not?

Comments attributed to Chris Cowley, Chief Executive Officer

Is the council aware of this incident?

Yes

What action has been taken by the council to address this incident?

The incident is currently under investigation. The first steps involve getting statements from both owners to understand both sides of the story.

What are the current repercussions for the owners of aggressive dogs involved in attacks?  

The state’s Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 is clear on various repercussions that extend from control orders, prohibition orders and destruction orders. Read the Legislation here.

How many dog attacks have been reported to the council this year?

In the 2023/24 financial year there were 53.

The victim has expressed concerns that the attacking dog was allowed to be off-leash at Bradman Reserve, which is not enclosed, allowing it to run free. Does the council plan to address this/update off-leash rules to exclude green areas that aren’t enclosed? Why/why not?

The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 allows that dogs can be off lead in Council designated areas but must be exercised under effective control.

Any changes to Council’s by laws addressing where dogs can be off or on lead is usually undertaken as a community consultation process.

For example some recent changes to on lead only areas was made earlier this year as part of a community engagement process to make four biodiversity sites in the city on lead only. https://engage.burnside.sa.gov.au/dogs-on-lead-to-protect-wildlife

Detail about on lead and off lead areas in the City of Burnside can be found here https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Animals/Dogs-Cats/Dog-Responsibilities/On-Lead-Off-Lead-Areas

ENDS

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