Dog Attack

The death of a loved pet in this way is obviously a very distressing experience. Our sympathies are with the owner. Council staff are currently investigating this incident. Council staff were advised of the attack at around 6.50pm on Tuesday, 18 October, via the after-hours call service, and the on-duty staff member was at the scene within 20 minutes. They helped to retrieve the cat from under a deck.

The dogs were not present, and it was not known who the owners were. Subsequently, on the Thursday morning, following information appearing on social media, the owners contacted the Council. The dogs are registered and currently remain with the owners. The Council has no record of any other calls reporting these dogs roaming in this area. Nor is there any record of reports of any other incidents involving the dogs. The Council will follow its enforcement policy to determine next steps, prosecution being one option.

In response to specific questions:

If the owners were found to be responsible for the injuries to the cat, would they be liable for vet's costs?
The dog owner can only be required to pay reparation by the Court.

Can the cat owner take her own prosecution?
The cat owner can make a civil claim for reparation through the Small Claims Court process.