An investigation is now under way after a City of Mandurah ranger was attacked by an unsupervised dog in Falcon.
The male ranger was taken for medical treatment following the attack which neighbours said was so extensive the man would require stitches.
A City of Mandurah spokesperson confirmed the attack which happened on Mistral Street about 3.30pm Monday and said the ranger was now recovering from his injuries.
The full extent of his injuries was not disclosed.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said the entire situation was frightening.
“If the male neighbour hadn’t warned passing kids and cyclists from schools, it could have been worse,” the resident said.
According to neighbours, two dogs escaped from their backyard and ran loose on the street, aggressively barking at other dogs contained at neighbouring properties.
Neighbours were forced to retreat to their homes and the ranger was called in.
The breed of the two dogs is unknown.
By the time the ranger arrived, there was just one dog remaining in the street as the second had returned to its home.
“The male [neighbour] warned the ranger the dog was dangerous, but the ranger tried to coax the dog over with dog treats,” a witness said.
“As the ranger grabbed its collar, the dog attacked him and knocked him to the floor.
“They scuffled on the floor for a moment, and I could see lots of blood from the ranger’s hands and arms.”
The witness said a male neighbour came the ranger’s rescue before the dog was restrained and taken away.
“We have a massive dog problem in Mistral Street,” one neighbour said.
“Dogs barking all day and night, unregistered, getting out and causing accidents.
“Everyone who visits comments on it.”
The City of Mandurah spokesperson said fines and possible court action could apply for the owners of dogs not contained on their property.
“[The City] takes the issue very seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“Wandering dogs can attack.”
The City of Mandurah spokesperson said the dog had since been returned to its owner.
“Rangers are dealing with the registered owner about the dog being uncontrolled in a public place,” the spokesperson said.
For neighbours, the incident is another reminder as to how dangerous dogs can be.
“Unfortunately the ranger will probably be scarred forever, all because people own aggressive dangerous dogs and can’t look after them properly,” the neighbour said.
