Pet owners are being urged to have a lead at hand after a dog attacked three times at Altona’s ‘doggy beach’ on Thursday.
After his terrier was attacked about midday, a man, who asked not to be identified, said owners should carry a lead in case they need to use it.
He said another man was at the beach with his two dogs when the larger one suddenly started attacking all dogs present.
The owner managed to catch his dog by the collar and lead it away, but it escaped and came back.
“He bit a little old dog,” the man said. “He also bit these ladies’ Labrador. The guy came over and his dog still had hold of the old dog and [the owner] pushed his head into the water and it let go.”
He said the man carried his dog back to his car, but again it broke free and returned.
“This time, he came straight at my dog,” the victim said.
“I was pulling my dog back and I tried to kick the dog and punch it. He ended up taking off, but he was still walking around. I fell over into the sand, I felt like a bit of a goose.”
The man said the owner came over, this time with a lead, and managed to bring his animal under control.
As the owner went to leave, two women approached him and demanded he provide his phone number to the owner of a small dog which was bitten on the rump. The breed of the aggressive dog is uncertain.
The terrier owner said it should be mandatory for owners to have a lead with them.
Hobsons Bay mayor Colleen Gates agreed that dog owners should always have quick access to a leash.
“Dog off-leash areas mean well-behaved dogs can run around off their leash,” she said.
“It’s not an invitation to leave the lead at home. Responsible pet owners should always have the leash close to hand in case your dog becomes aggressive or is spooked.”
Report dog attacks to the council: 9932 1000.
