What to do after a Dog Attack ...
After a dog attack, you should seek medical or veterinary treatment as a priority.
When safe to do so, you must report the attack to the Nhulunbuy Corporation (NCL). You can contact our Animal Management Officer on 0419 838 064.
All attacks should be reported to the NCL as soon as possible to prevent further incident. Nhulunbuy Corporation is committed to the thorough and transparent investigation of all reports of dog attack and harassment and an enforcement response that aligns with our Nhulunbuy Animal Control By-laws. Your cooperation is sought to ensure that the best possible outcome can be achieved following an incident of dog attack or harassment.
To report menacing or a dog attack please fill out this form and email to amo@ncl.net.au.
Many dog attacks go unreported because people consider them minor. Even the most minor attacks need to be reported as this could be an indication of future concerns.
When an attack or harassment is reported it is likely that you will be asked to describe the following:
- Date, time and location of the attack
- A description of the offending dog – Colour, breed, name, distinguishing features, collar
- A description of the responsible person if involved– Height, weight, hair colour, age, sex, name, address, contact number
- Address / location where the dog came from
- Description of car if involved – Colour, make, registration
- Any additional photos of injuries to animal or person
- Copy of medical documents.
This information ensures the NCL Animal Management Officer identifies the correct dog responsible in the situation.
- Issue a warning
- Impose an infringement.
- Impose a control order (Nuisance, Dangerous Dog, Menacing Dog, or Destruction Order)
Preventing dog bites
Dog attacks are more likely to happen when a dog is wandering – either having escaped or being permitted to roam free. A dog that is wandering could attack from being in fear, pain or confusion. As a responsible dog owner, you can prevent your dog from being involved in an attack by:
- Ensuring your fences, and gates are suitable to keep in your dog.
- Walking your dog on a lead whenever in a public place.
- Having *effective control of your dog when in an off-leash area and having a leash handy if needed.
- Attending dog obedience classes.
- Socialising your dog from an early age so it learns to mix with other dogs and people.
- Desex your dog – research shows that desexed dogs are less aggressive and territorial.
- Avoiding situations that may cause your dog to become nervous or anxious
- Training your dog - obedience classes help you learn about your dog, its body language and how you can communicate with it.
- Asking your vet for advice if your dog shows any signs of aggression towards people.
*Effective Control means that the person responsible for the dog can voice control their dog in a manner that ensures the dog will obey.
Dogs bite for many reasons. The most common reasons are fear, pain or confusion when mixing with people and other dogs. Ignoring signs of aggression can result in serious injury to you, a member of your family or others.
Don’t forget you are responsible for your dog’s actions!
Harassment is defined as a dog troubling or annoying a person without being the primary cause of physical injury i.e the dog may chase a person or animal but not bite them. Attack is defined as a dog acting with force or harmfully resulting in physical injury such as bruising, puncture wounds or laceration.