Dog attacks in Dubbo are significantly higher than the surrounding areas, with more than 80 recorded in 2016.
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The latest information from the Office of Local Government shows there were 83 dog attacks reported in the Dubbo Regional Council area last year.
An attack is classified as any incident where a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases a person or animal.
Of the Dubbo attacks, seven were classified as serious, which means the person required medical treatment of hospitalisation.
There were 33 less serious incidents involving people.
Across the year, 133 other animals were attacked. The report does not stipulate what kind of animals were involved, or the seriousness of the incident.
When it came to the total number of attacks, Dubbo was more than double Bathurst’s figure. There were 31 dog attacks in Bathurst.
However, 93 were recorded in Orange for the same time period.
Of the attacks in Orange, 12 were serious and another 64 also involved people but were less serious. There were also 103 animals attacked.
Bathurst was lower than Dubbo and Orange in all three categories. There was only one dog attack which left a person needing medical treatment or hospitalisation. Another eight people were involved in incidents but did not require medical treatment.
The city recorded 60 attacks against other animals.
Dubbo had the highest number of microchipped dogs at the end of the year at 25,726.
Bogan Shire had only one dog attack reported during the year, while Narromine had 14. Three dog attacks were reported to the Office of Local Government in Coonamble and Gilgandra had seven.
In the Mid Western Regional Council area, 56 dog attacks were recorded, while the Cowra local government area was also relatively high with 38 reports.
All dog attacks should be reported to Dubbo Regional Council on 6801 4000 so the appropriate level of action can be taken. Police should also be notified if someone is bitten.
Council has a range of enforcement options to manage aggressive dogs depending on the circumstances. They include restrictions on how the dog is kept to ensure the risk to the public is reduced.
Dubbo Regional Council was contacted for comment but could not respond by deadline.