By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A dog-owner’s partner has faced court after the dog fatally savaged a tabby cat while out on a walk in Endeavour Hills.
Cecilia Lay, 45, had been walking the five-year-old male Staffordshire Terrier named Bones on a lead on Gleneagles Drive about 10am on Saturday, 17 April.
The dog latched onto the cat, shaking and biting her as Lay tried to pull the dog away, according to Casey Council.
Despite witnesses’ intervention and being taken to a vet, the cat soon succumbed to internal injuries, several deep puncture wounds and a fractured upper leg.
Casey Council had not seized the dog, which remains with the owner now living in Springvale.
The council’s lawyer told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 19 August that the council would decide on any further action after the hearing.
It had also yet to inspect the owner’s fencing and gates at the dog’s new address.
In an email to the council five days after the attack, Lay and the owner stated they did not wish to speak to the council about the matter.
In court, Lay pleaded guilty to being in control of a ‘non-dangerous’ dog biting an animal causing death.
Her defence lawyer said the dog, on a half-arm’s-length lead, had “reacted badly” when the cat approached in front of them and hissed.
The “very, very sorry” accused had written a letter-of-apology to the cat’s owner, offered to pay for a replacement adopted cat and to cover any vet expenses from the incident, the court heard.
The accused bank credit-officer had previously received a fine from the council for being “in control” of Bones while he bit and inflicted “minor injuries” on another dog in December. She had no prior convictions.
As part of an animal management plan since the fatal attack, Lay had kept Bones on a muzzle and leash while outside the premises.
Magistrate Greg Connellan noted the “seriousness” of a pet being killed in the event.
“They’re uncomfortable things to witness and to have happen to your pet.”
He said there was “probably very little time or opportunity for you to do anything to prevent what was unfolding”.
“I accept that reality – it’s one of the risks of owning a pet dog. Their behaviour can sometimes be very rapid and unpredictable.”
“You have responded in an appropriate way that reflects the gravity and seriousness of what took place.”
Lay was fined $800, plus $85.70 filing costs, without conviction.
