Council seizes Bearii dogs, but locals left seeking answers

“These dogs are the subject of an ongoing investigation and will be remain in council's custody until such time as the investigation, and any potential prosecution, is completed,” the council spokesperson said.

“Once the investigation is finalised, council will determine an appropriate outcome for the seized animals considering all of the circumstances found in the investigation.”

The news came as welcome relief for Aintree Organic Farm owners Mariea and Trinity Richards, who have lost at least 36 livestock — including goats, lambs and alpacas — in three separate attacks since November.

After living in Bearii for at least 35 years, the couple have never seen anything like it before.

In a first attack last November, at least two dogs killed or seriously maimed at least eight sheep, four lambs and one alpaca.

The alpaca, named Charlie and popular with guests at the Richardses’ bed-and-breakfast, had to be put down after its face was ripped off by one of the dogs.

The couple immediately reported the first attack to council. A council animal control officer attended the scene the same day to collect evidence, Mr Richards said.

The Richardses were under the impression the dogs would be dealt with.

But shortly afterwards, a neighbour of the couple lost four lambs and two goats to what they believe to be the same pair of dogs.

At least two attacks on the Richardses’ property have occurred since then, leaving the couple and their neighbours in anguish and frustrated by a perceived lack of action from authorities.

Mrs Richards said she, her husband and their neighbours had been putting up with the attacks for a long time.

“Why were the dogs not taken away the very first time?” she said.

Mr Richards was similarly frustrated by what he saw as the lack of action taken by authorities since the November attack.

“It could have been dealt with right there by them,” Mr Richards said.

“Why wasn’t it done on that day?”

At least a dozen residents gathered on Monday, February 3, to discuss ways to address the issue.

The next day, the Richardses met with council animal control officers. They also decided to file a report with Victoria Police at the Cobram Police Unit.

Now that two dogs have been apprehended by council, the Richardses are considering seeking financial compensation for the loss of their livestock.

The couple are also requesting the council formally apologise for not removing the dogs after the initial attack in November.

Mrs Richards also called for greater clarity over council’s procedures on animal control.

In an initial statement from February 7, chief executive Matthew Morgan said council was taking the issue seriously, and acknowledged the devastating impact such attacks could have on residents, farmers and animal welfare.

“We are actively investigating reports and working with affected residents to address concerns,” Mr Morgan said.

“Council does not take dog attacks lightly. The safety of our community, livestock and local wildlife is our priority, and it is unacceptable for dogs to be allowed to roam and display aggressive behaviour.

“Council will take decisive action in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994, including seizing dogs found to be responsible for attacks. Pet owners must ensure their animals are securely contained; failure to do so puts the community at risk and will not be tolerated.

“We urge all residents to report roaming or aggressive dogs immediately. Council is working closely with Victoria Police to actively investigate all reports and will enforce strict penalties where necessary.”

When asked by the Courier whether it believed its handling of the case to be adequate, a council spokesperson said on Tuesday, February 11, that council was dealing with the matter in accordance with the Evidence Act 2008.

“Council can confirm it is investigating a number of dog attacks in the Bearii area, but cannot provide any further information due to privacy requirements, as the matters may appear before a magistrates’ court,” the spokesperson said.

“Council has no authority to destroy a dog that has been declared dangerous or menacing. However, if the matter proceeds to a magistrates’ court, council can make application to the court seeking the destruction of a dog that has been found to be involved in a dog attack. This is a matter for the courts to determine.

“A magistrates’ court would determine when a case would be heard, if it was to be presented to the courts.”