Following a dog attack on an alpaca farm in Lochiel, the dog has been returned to its owner under a dangerous dog order, Bega Valley Shire Council has confirmed.
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Police and Bega Valley Shire rangers were called to the Lochiel property on Friday, June 29, by frantic owner and alpaca breeder Jennie Kershaw.
A valuable alpaca had been mauled to the extent that a vet had to to euthanase it and police and two rangers attended the scene before rangers removed the dog.
The reasons a dog is declared as dangerous by an authorised council officer include that it has, without provocation, attacked or killed a person or animal (not including vermin).
Anyone who has a dangerous dog order placed on the animal must ensure the dog is microchipped and lifetime registered, desexed and not left in the sole charge of a person under the age of 18 years at any time.
The dog must also be contained in an enclosure that meets the requirements of clause 24 of the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 when on the premises where it is ordinarily kept.
The dog must also wear a muzzle and be securely leashed at all times when outside the enclosure where it is ordinarily kept. The dog cannot be sold, given away or advertised for sale as it is an offence to accept ownership of a dangerous dog.
Soon after the attack, one of Ms Kershaw’s alpacas gave birth, but it died within days.
“Mum was struggling for milk,” Ms Kershaw said which she attributed to the stress. “The aftermath of that attack had a snowball effect and the costs keep rising,” she said.
