Two dogs have mauled to death a small dog that was being exercised by its owner at a Halls Head beach.
The dogs attacked the small Maltese x Shih tzu at an off-leash beach causing major injuries that resulted in its death.
A witness told the Mail the dog "had no chance" against the aggressive big dogs.
"Five minutes and it was completely ripped apart, it was awful," the woman, who didn't want to be named, said.
Both attacking dogs involved have been identified by City of Mandurah rangers and the main aggressor has been captured and impounded following the attack. The other dog is secured.
The City says investigations are continuing into the attack with further action pending.
"Our thoughts are with the owner at this difficult time," a spokesperson said.
Your responsibilities as a dog owner
Dog owners must ensure their pets are contained and controlled at all times. Some examples where dog owners make mistakes are:
- Garage doors opening and dogs able to escape into the street
- Children and tradespeople and leaving doors and gates open
- Allowing dogs to approach other dogs that you don't know
- Not having dogs on lead outside designated dog exercise areas
- At the beach unleashing dogs at the top of the path rather than waiting until they are in the dog exercise area
- Fences that allow dogs to dig underneath
To help prevent attacks, the City encourages community members to report all uncontrolled and wandering dogs whether aggressive or not. Reporting will prevent attack, and rangers are available every day of the week by calling 9550 3777.
For more information about responsible dog ownership including exercise areas, registration and reporting wandering dogs, go to the City's website.