Pet owners are being warned to be on high alert for snakes after a family lost their beloved dog to a snakebite in a Yarraville park.
Newport resident Peter Meehan was walking dogs Jet and Missy near Stony Creek in Hyde Park Reserve last Thursday when Jet began to appear agitated and uncomfortable.
When Jet began throwing up Mr Meehan rushed him to the vet, where he was given treatment but soon passed away.
Sister-in-law Dianne Ferrara said the family was distraught at the sudden loss of the nine-year-old German Shepherd-Collie cross.
“We don’t know what type of snake bit him,” she said.
“It has just been a shock to the whole family. Last week I was having a coffee with my sister and she was hugging Jet, saying she didn’t know what she would do without him.”
Ms Ferara said Missy, who had grown up with Jet, had avoided the snake attack but was clearly upset at the loss of her companion.
She called on councils to do more to highlight the dangers posed by snake habitats.
“They have a responsibility to make sure they do everything they can to make sure these areas are safe or there are adequate warnings in place,” she said.
“It could easily have been Peter who was bitten, or a small child.”
Under the Wildlife Act 1975, it is illegal to capture, kill or harm snakes.
A Maribyrnong Council spokeswoman said the council directs all snakes sightings or relocations to external contractors as it does not have a snake catcher.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) wildlife officer Samantha Moore said snakes are becoming more active with the warm spring weather.
Bites increase
“Snakes are commonly found around urban waterways and wetlands and this year there have also been reports of them appearing on beaches and foreshore areas,” she said.
“Snakes sometimes bite pets, usually when the pets have disturbed the snake. If you are a pet owner and your dog or cat encounters a snake causing you concern, the best course of action is to remove your pet from the area.”
Ms Moore said pet owners should seek immediate assistance from a vet if a pet is bitten by a snake.
The Lort Smith Animal Hospital treated at least 20 pets for snake bites last month, more than the number staff usually treated in an entire year.
Snake sightings can be reported to council or the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
