A total of 96 dog attacks occurred on the Central Coast in the fourth quarter of the last financial year with 68 people attacked, and 8 needing medical treatment.
The second worse council area, Blacktown, had 65 dog attacks.
In the third quarter, the number of dog attacks on the Central Coast was 71 with 40 people attacked, 6 needing medical treatment.
In the second quarter, the number was 95 dog attacks with 50 people attacked, 10 needing medical treatment.
In the first quarter, the number was 109 dog attacks with 57 people involved and 9 needing treatment.
It made the Central Coast the worst area in NSW for dog attacks, according to figures from the Office of Local Government.
The total for the year was 371 attacks and 33 people needing medical assistance.
The minutes from new companion animal advisory committee to Central Coast Council, which held its first meeting on October 10, show that council staff are reviewing the statistics and areas for improvement as the statistics “may not correctly reflect reality”.
Minutes show the general discussion included concerns about overwhelming numbers of dogs and limited resources available to react to incidents; the need for more safe and secure off leash areas; and dog owner education.
The OLG website says a dog attack can include any incident where a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal, whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal.
Copyright: Merilyn Vale
