HRCC hosts aggressive dog training for Authorised Officers
Published on 05 July 2024
Local Government staff from several Western Victorian councils this week attended Horsham Rural City Council’s aggressive dog training workshop for authorised officers.
The workshop was a significant step towards ensuring public safety and equipping local government workers with the necessary skills to handle anxious and aggressive dogs effectively.
Dogs wandering at large can pose a serious public and safety risk. They can create a traffic hazard or may become aggressive and cause harm to other people, animals and wildlife.
Dogs are territorial by nature. Any dog of any size or breed can become aggressive when defending its territory. Even a friendly dog may guard the area on or around its property, especially when the owner is not present.
(Image: the second workshop set up in the HRCC reception room)
Dog attacks on people and other animals as well as dogs roaming at large are reported to local councils every day.
Most dog attacks in public places occur on the footpath or road in front or near the dog’s property.
Confining dogs to your property would prevent approximately eighty percent of dog attacks in public places.
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all dog owners must securely confine dogs to the property. This means your yard must have a closed gate, and an escape-proof fence thar your dog/s can not jump, get under or through.