Animal group calls for dogs to be walked on leash

A local animal welfare group has called for people to obey the law and to always walk their dogs on a leash.

The call came after an older woman was knocked to the ground and one of her dogs killed by other dogs in Umina on Monday, August 12.

Ms Vanessa Irvine from Paws A Moment and Rescue said the attack came when two tiny dogs were on their daily walk on a double leash with their owner, 73-year-old Ms Laurette Falkingham.

Ms Irvine said two large German shorthair pointers, off leash, came at them, knocking the Ms Falkingham to the ground.

One dog started attacking Tiny, a black and tan chihuahua.

The double leash broke allowing the other dog, Tinkerbelle, a former Paws rescue pup, to escape unharmed.

Tiny was killed.

Ms Falkingham was helped to her feet and was physically okay.

Ms Irvine said the attack was unprovoked and should never have happened.

She said the owners of the pointers rushed over to try to stop the attack, both getting bitten in the process.

"These two fur babies were companion dogs and loved beyond words."

Ms Irvine said people needed to know and understand the laws.

"These rules come straight off the Central Coast Council website: Your dog must be under the effective control of a competent person at all times when out in public.

"This means that your dogs must be on a leash and under the control of someone capable of restraining them.

"Every dog and owner has the right to feel safe when giving their dog the exercise they need and deserve.

"While you may think your dog is friendly with all dogs, the reality is there are other factors that come into play and not all dogs will get along, just like people."

Ms Falkingham said she was overwhelmed by people's kindness since the incident.

She said she was unhurt in the incident despite getting knocked over.

Tiny had lived with Ms Falkingham since he was three months old and would have turned 10 next month.

Ms Falkingham said the German shorthair pointers just arrived out of nowhere.

Ms Irvine said the owners of the pointers were keeping in contact with Ms Falkingham and were looking at helping to provide another dog.

They had promised never to walk their dogs off leash again, Ms Irvine said.

SOURCE:

Social Media, 14 Aug, 2019

Media Statement, 15 Aug, 2019

Vanessa Irvine, Paws a Moment and Rescue

Interview (Merilyn Vale), 15 Aug, 2019

Laurette Falkingham, Umina