The council has seized four dogs in Bulli recently. Two of those have been euthanised. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
A dog has been seized and destroyed after a Wollongong City Council officer witnessed it attack two dogs in Bulli.
The bull terrier-mastiff cross dog, which was unregistered, was immediately seized and impounded.
“The owner was provided with a notice of intention to declare the attacking dog a dangerous dog,” the Wollongong City Council spokesperson said.
“The dog’s owner has surrendered the animal to the council where it will be humanely euthanised.”
An unrelated marauding pack of dogs in Bulli may also be brought to heel thanks to an arrangement between Wollongong City Council and their owner.
Residents have reported issues with a pack of up to 11 dogs since November of 2024.
It is understood the dogs all live at one property on Point Street, and several would regularly escape and roam the suburb.
Residents said they were intimidated by the dogs and were concerned about child safety.
Wollongong City Council could not confirm the exact number of dogs at the home, but said it was “a large number”.
The property belongs to Homes NSW.
The council is only allowed to seize dogs if they have attacked or bitten a person or another animal without provocation.
Seizure must occur within 72 hours of the attack or bite.
The Point Street dogs are not known to have attacked anyone.
A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said they wrote to the Office of Local Government to ask for a review of the legislation.
Finally, three of the dogs have been seized and one destroyed. The council anticipates more dogs will be surrendered.
“Council officers have issued more than a dozen fines to the dog owner, and served a number of nuisance orders,” the Wollongong City Council spokesperson said.
“Since December 2024, three dogs from this residence have been impounded by the council.
“Two have entered the council’s rehoming program while one, after an assessment found it to be a threat to community safety, was humanely euthanised.
“Last week a verbal agreement was reached with the council that all except three of the dogs currently residing at the Point Street property will be voluntarily surrendered to the council.
“This will be done in a phased manner to allow the council to have each of the dogs appropriately assessed and evaluated by vets and animal behaviourists.
“If they’re able to be rehomed, they’ll be available for adoption through the Wollongong Pet Connection.”
The council encouraged anyone who witnesses dogs behaving in an aggressive or dangerous manner to report the incident immediately by calling 4227 7111 (including outside of business hours).
“We are best able to act on reports that include a name and contact number,” the Wollongong City Council spokesperson said.
“Any accompanying photos need to be time and date stamped, and the council requires a statement to proceed with enforcement action.”
