We love our dogs, but keep them on the lead please

But our rangers are highlighting the importance of keeping dogs on a lead when you're walking, running or just enjoying the lake surrounds.

If your dogs are at home, it's also important they are secured within your property.

Over a nine month period - September 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, Forbes Shire Council received 33 reports of dog attacks.

Four of those had human victims.

Ten attacks were on dogs, 16 on livestock, one on a cat and two pet rabbits.

On 11 of these occasions, the owner of the attacking dog was present but had failed to have the dog on a lead or under effective control.

Rangers Matt Wallis and Jess Burbage say there's nothing unusual about those figures, and it's worth reminding dog owners of their responsibilities.

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, you can be fined $1320 if your dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harrasses or chases another animal (other than vermin) whether or not injury is caused.

"We will investigate," Matt explained their process.

"We will speak to the person who has been attacked, and photograph any injuries, then speak to the owner of the dog. The main thing is to get onto council straight away."

In some cases, owners were issued with an infringement notice. Serious matters can have harsher consequences: owners do surrender dogs or they can have them declared dangerous which comes with some conditions on keeping them.

But the most common issue our rangers are facing at the moment is encounters between off-leash dogs and people in our increasingly popular Lake areas.

Even a friendly dog, bounding around, can be terrifying to a small child or cause a fall for someone who is unsteady on their feet, Jess explains.

Council's rangers know the Lake is a popular place to exercise for dogs and their owners, they just ask that you do keep them on a lead (it doesn't hurt to take a poop bag along either).

If - unfortunately - you do end up in a situation where you're rushed or attacked by a dog it's important to contact council as soon as possible.

Document any injuries, and take a record of any information about the dog and any person or vehicle responsible for the dog, immediately.

For the longer term, the rangers are also keenly aware that this is the time of year when many people start to think about a puppy as a Christmas present.

They would urge people to do some research and make sure you choose a dog that's suited to your lifestyle - and don't forget there might be a dog available for adoption through RSPCA who might be a perfect match for your family.

Be aware that there are restricted breeds, the pit bull being the most popular, where an annual fee applies.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, Jess and Matt hope to be doing more proactive work with our pet owners and in our community.

They are planning more free microchipping days, where you'll be able to pick up an AMAZING collar and slip lead if needed, and heading to schools to talk to children about safe behaviour around dogs.

Jess would also urge dog owners to make regular checks of their fencing at home to make sure your dog isn't digging under it.

"We can have a look and give you tips if needed," she said.