By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
Twenty five sheep and one alpaca have been killed in a vicious dog attack in Cranbourne East.
Now council investigators are hunting for the two dogs which are believed to be responsible for the attack on the morning of Saturday 13 July at a property on Ballarto Road.
The incident comes as a Cranbourne resident reported that as many as 12 foxes are prowling her street and dragging away cats.
The council has appealed for information over the dog attack after two were seen on the property and fled through Casey Fields sports complex after being scared away.
One of the dogs, believed to be German shepard, was described as black and tan in colour and may have suffered a gunshot wound.
The second dog is a white, large dog, of an unidentified breed.
City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon urged anyone with information to come forward.
“Providing any small detail may help us locate the offending animals.
“The Casey community has the right to live without the fear of being attacked by a dog.”
Foxes, not dogs, have been the cause of concern for a Cranbourne resident this week.
Kerren Schubach from Cascades on Clyde housing estate, first spotted the foxes on Saturday night and has since been told it’s her responsibility to organise their removal.
“I spoke to Cranbourne police, the RSPCA, Wildlife Victoria and Casey City Council,” Ms Schubach said.
“I received no answers of what to do other than to pay someone to locate the den out of our own pockets.”
Ms Schubach said the fox den must be close to Cascades after spotting 10 to 12 foxes stalking her street every night since Saturday, from late afternoon to 12.30am.
“They’re coming into our street and dragging cats away,” she said.
“They’re coming up to people’s front doors, I’ve never seen a pack like this. The noise is horrific, it made my stomach turn.”
According to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) website, Victorian red foxes are declared as established pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, and are subsequently the land owner’s responsibility.
City of Casey Manager Environment Nicola Ward referred to the Act when defining the council’s responsibilities.
“Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act all landholders are responsible for managing pest plants and animals on their land,” Ms Ward said.
“In certain instances, where the land is managed by council, a fox control program may be undertaken.”
Wildlife Victoria spokesperson Amy Amato said her organisation dealt with native wildlife only, which didn’t include foxes.
“Wildlife Victoria is legally not allowed to deal with fox calls,” she said.
“Our mandate doesn’t apply to them.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said the RSPCA’s mission was to prevent animal cruelty and it would only be involved if the foxes were caught illegally.
The City of Casey has urged residents to undertake several measures to ensure their safety in relation to foxes.
These include refraining from feeding them, making sure rubbish is secure, removing leftover dog food at night, keeping gardens clean and tidy and building sheds and garages on a concrete base.
People with information related to the dog attack are encouraged to call City of Casey local laws department on 9705 5200.
