According to statistical figures maintained by the Department of Local Government these attacks have resulted in the following injuries to people:

• No injury 196

• Minor injury 85

• Medical treatment required 61

• Hospitalisation 23

• Death 1

A “dog attack” does not require actual injury to be caused and is defined in the Companion Animal Regulation as:

“an incident that involves or is alleged to involve a dog rushing at, attacking, biting, harassing or chasing a person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal, but not including an incident that occurs in the course of :

a) lawful hunting,

b) the working of stock by the dog or the training of the dog in the working of stock, or

c) the working or training of a police dog.”

Under the Companion Animals Act 1988 councils are primarily responsible for investigating dog attacks in their areas.

The legislation gives Authorised Officers, who include certain council officers and NSW Police, a range of powers to deal with breaches of the Act as they occur.

A brochure by the Department of Local Government sets out a number of responsibilities of pet owners to ensure the comfort, safety and health or the whole community.

Here is a summary of the responsibilities of dog owners under this Act:

• If your dog is in a public place it must be under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash.

The exceptions to this are dogs exhibited at a show or engaging in obedience or agility trials or a dog secured in a cage or vehicle or in an approved off-leash area;

• If your dog is being exercised in an approved off-leash area it must always be under the effective control of a competent person;

• You are not permitted to walk more than four dogs at any one time in an on-leash area or an off-leash area;