Council is asking Palmerston dog owners to check their dogs are adequately secured to their properties following recent dog attacks.

City of Palmerston Rangers have received reports of dog attacks in both Rosebery and Gray over the past few days. Council Rangers are currently investigating these incidents and will be increasing their patrols of the municipality for the next two weeks. The extra patrols will occur in the early morning and late afternoon.

Council’s Ranger Services Manager, Jeffrey Borella, said any dog attack in the municipality is of great concern for Council Rangers.

“Council has a duty of care to the community to ensure dog owners are aware of their responsibilities and Council’s by-laws. Dog owners, and anyone pet-sitting dogs for friends and family, should always ensure that their dog is adequately confined to their property. This means ensuring the boundary fences have no gaps and gates are secure, possibly locked,” Mr Borella said.

“At this time of the year, Council receives a large number of calls from owners trying to track down their lost dogs, and also residents reporting stray dogs, in the aftermath of a thunderstorm,” Mr Borella added.

Council reminds the community that if they see stray dogs wandering, or any dogs displaying dangerous or aggressive behaviours to please report them to Council by phoning 8935 9922. Council can then try to intervene to prevent unwanted incidents from occurring.

For further information on dog attack prevention or on responsible pet ownership please see Council’s website at www.palmerston.nt.gov.au