Bulli residents fear it’s only a matter of time before a pack of roaming dogs snap. Stock image. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Residents fear it’s only a matter of time before a pack of dogs roaming Bulli cause serious harm – but Wollongong City Council’s hands are tied.
It is understood the dogs have regularly gotten loose over the past month, with a history of roaming that stretches back even further.
Witnesses estimate between six and 11 dogs make up the pack, and say they have been menaced on walks, with their children, and that the dogs are responsible for the deaths of a pet rabbit.
A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said a large number of dogs are known to belong to a resident at Sandon Point, and have gotten loose previously.
“Council received an enquiry from the Police in mid-November regarding a number of dogs roaming off-leash at Sandon Point,” the spokepserson said.
“Council officers attended within the hour and were able to locate the dogs on arrival.
“Council officers subsequently contacted the dog owner in order to have the animals returned to their Point Street, Bulli home, which occurred by approximately 9.40am.
“Council officers are aware of the Point Street property due to previous complaints of roaming dogs or aggressive behaviour towards people.
“Each of these complaints has been investigated.”
The council has powers to seize or destroy dogs that are deemed dangerous, however, for a dog to be declared dangerous it must first attack or kill a person or dog without provocation.
The council spokesperson said they do not have the evidence they would need to instigate dangerous dog enforcement procedures.
Rangers have inspected the property to oversee fencing improvements to contain the dogs.
“Compliance action is currently underway for a number of issues identified over recent inspections,” the council spokesperson said.
“Council has been in contact with the managing agent of the property and understands it is investigating the number of animals kept on site and the condition of the property.”
The spokesperson urged anyone who was attacked or menaced by loose dogs to document the incident to the best of their ability via notes, photos or video.
They encouraged residents to continue to report any issues.
“Council shares the concern of residents who may encounter intimidating behaviour from off-leash dogs and urge any residents who experience or witness such incidents to immediately contact Council or Police to ensure proper safety and compliance action can be carried out,” the spokesperson said.
“We encourage our community to report instances of bad dog behaviour to us, as well as near misses, so that we’re able to monitor for repeated behaviour and escalate compliance action if required.”
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