This year alone there have been 147 cases of menacing behaviour from dogs and 69 instances of actual dog attacks that have been reported to Moree Plains Shire Council.

Director of Planning and Community Development Angus Witherby said in one area of Moree alone, there has been seven attacks, one of which resulted in a cat being killed and another the hospitalisation of a child.

“This is quite a common problem across the shire,” Mr Witherby said. “There have been dozens of dog attacks and a lot of it comes down to dogs that have been let loose and are roaming around.”

Mr Witherby said on his short drive to and from work each day, he sees at least two or three stray dogs every day.

“There’s way too many dogs enjoying their freedom in the streets – unrestricted by their owners and fouling the ground.  They are a risk to community members, other pets and drivers – and themselves,” Mr Witherby said.

Council reminds residents that the responsibility of roaming dogs lies with the owner, not council rangers.

That means owners must ensure their dog is locked securely in their yard so they can’t get out and that a dog must be on a leash whenever it is in a public area.

“Statewide policy says you have to have a dog under effective control in public – that means on a leash,” Mr Witherby said. “You can’t guarantee you can control a dog with your voice.”

If council rangers come across a roaming dog, it will most likely be picked up and owners could face some hefty fines. Dogs that are unable to be traced to an owner may also face being impounded and euthanised. If a dog is declared dangerous, the owner will need to take responsibility to manage that dog, or in some cases, it may have to be put down.

In the last 12 months council has been working with the community to more effectively manage the issue under the Responsible Pet Ownership Program.