ABOUT 50 residents of Glencoe gathered for an open-air public meeting on Sunday to discuss animal deaths presumably caused by dogs roaming at night.
The two-hour informal gathering was held outside the Glencoe Community Hall.
Animal owners reported recent attacks on their pets and stock, including ‘Big Moo’, famous as Australia’s largest steer.
Convenor Chris Witting said he believed the attacks were by different dogs, possibly feral and unrestrained working dogs.
“The meeting heard stories of cows, sheep, dogs and horses mauled by dogs,” Mr Wittig said.
“Some animals died of the wounds, others had to be put down.
“Big Moo’s owners were disturbed during the night and discovered that he had been bitten about the legs.
“I have spent five or six hours looking for advice from council, police and the internet, but it was always more about what you cannot do than what you can.
“So, animal owners have limited options under law, although one sheep farmer, who has lost eight sheep to dog attacks recently, said that if a dog put even a toenail past his fence line, he is entitled to shoot it.”
Mr Wittig said the meeting resolved that dog owners must be responsible for keeping their dogs locked up.
He said Glencoe residents should be alert to gathering evidence in the form of photographs and videos on their phones and they will continue to monitor the situation via social media.
In the wake of the “Big Moo” attack, Sunday’s public meeting and social media reports, The South Eastern Times has repeatedly contacted Wattle Range Council and Millicent Police.
Neither authority has recently received complaints about dog attacks in the Glencoe area.
Council’s development services director Steve Chapple said people with specific concerns about dog attacks should contact council.
“Council’s general inspectors will follow up the comments recently made on social media,” Mr Chapple said.
“We are happy to meet with local residents to discuss their concerns.”
