Public assistance needed following horrific dog attack

Published on 12 April 2024

UPDATE: Council is still urging the owner of the dogs to do the right thing and contact Council.

The Local Laws team has door-knocked 170 homes in the Barnes Boulevard area and reviewed CCTV.

Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) is urgently appealing to the public for information following a horrific dog attack that left a three-year-old boy needing surgery.

On Friday, April 5, between 4.15pm and 4.30pm, near the Wimmera River opposite Farrar Avenue, two dogs viciously attacked the boy.

His parents bravely intervened and eventually halted the assault before the dogs managed to escape in opposite directions along Barnes Boulevard.

HRCC’s Local Laws team, which attended the scene of the attack and is door knocking in the area, is committed to ensuring that residents can safely enjoy public land without fear of unrestrained dogs.

Council is urgently seeking assistance in identifying the two dogs involved.

Here are their descriptions:

1.       Medium-sized

2.       Short-haired

3.       One black

4.       One white with black spots/patches

5.       No collars observed

It is not known whether or not the dogs belong to the same owner. 

If you witnessed these dogs along Barnes Boulevard on Friday, April 5, 2024, between 4.15pm and 4.30pm, or have any relevant CCTV footage, please contact Council at 03 5382 9777.