An increase in reports of dogs wandering off leash and leading to dog attack incidents across the Warrumbungle Shire area, has prompted Council to seek help from the community for everyone's safety.

“Council would like to remind community members of the importance of having dogs leashed while in public areas at all times,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Ambrose Doolan.

“Wandering dogs are not only a danger to the public but also a danger to themselves; they may become lost, stolen, killed or injured by vehicles on public roads or cause damage to other people or another animal. As a consequence of dogs unleashed in the community the number of dog attack incidents have increased."

In the first quarter of 2022/23 (July to September 2022) there were 1,280 dog attacks reported across NSW.

The large majority of these attacks were by Staffordshire Terriers, which resulted in 101 dogs being euthanised. During this time there were no reported attacks in the Warrumbungle Shire.

"Dog attacks are a traumatic experience and dog owners need to take responsibility for their dogs to protect the public against consequences of attacks," Mr Doolan said.

“Unfortunately, dogs may also attack people, other pets or native animals. It can be difficult to imagine, but the way a dog behaves around their owner or family and friends can be completely different to how it behaves when the owner is not present with the dog."

An attack is not just limited to a dog biting someone, it can include a dog rushing at, biting, harassing, or chasing any person or another animal.

Whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal it should still be reported, there could still be grounds to place a declaration on the attacking dog and the owner may receive a fine.

“If you are a dog owner, please keep them safe and secure at home. Sometimes accidents happen and dogs escape, but we can all do our part to prevent this from happening and reduce the number of dogs roaming the streets,” concluded Cr Doolan.

Social media responses to the Shire Council's post brought comments about cats also causing nuisance issues.

Cats are hunters - they need to be , microchipped, registered and kept under control.

Council regulations require owners of new cats to microchip and register their pets. This means having your cat microchipped first, then registering your cat with your local council.

Existing cats which stay with their current owner do not have to be registered but all cat owners should identify their cats, either through microchipping or by using collar and tag.

This will help protect their cat if it is lost, hurt or stolen.

While cat attacks are not as big a problem as dog attacks, cats can kill or injure birds and other animals.

But dogs are the issue for Warrumbungle Shire at the moment.

“Council Compliance Officers will be cracking down to dogs off leash and wandering dogs, to ensure community members in the Warrumbungle Shire and their furry friends can feel safe and enjoy public areas throughout the region,” Cr Doolan said.