A pet dog seized by rangers over an alleged attack on another dog has had its “dangerous dog” declaration revoked.
A city ranger seized Dozer the golden Labrador from the Weller family’s home in Geraldton, 450 kilometres north of Perth, following the alleged attack in early August.
The dog was declared “dangerous” by the city, but was returned to the family later that month after the owners built a fence at the property.
Under WA’s Dog Act, the declaration would have required the owners to meet several conditions, such as properly confining the dog and muzzling him when outside the enclosure.
However, the matter gained significant public attention after the Wellers took to social media claiming the city planned to euthanase Dozer within days of him being seized.
The city denied any suggestion it intended to put the dog down.
The declaration would have required the owners to properly confine the dog and muzzle him when outside of it. (Supplied: Instagram/Jill.Weller)
The family appealed the dangerous dog ruling to the State Administrative Tribunal, which revoked the declaration on Thursday night with the consent of the City of Greater Geraldton.
In its orders, the tribunal noted that Wellers had provided an undertaking to ensure Dozer completed 10 training sessions at a local dog training centre by the end of the year.
The training centre must provide written evidence the training has been completed and outline any observations.
The owners must also ensure that Dozer is kept in accordance with the provisions of the Dog Act 1976.
Owner Jill Weller was unavailable for an interview but posted to social media that she was relieved by the outcome.
“We want to thank you, the community, for the overwhelming support we received,” she said.
“‘We hope our case prompts the Geraldton council to review their procedures for declaring dogs dangerous.”
City of Greater Geraldton acting CEO Chris Lee said the city was pleased with the resolution.
“The city recognises the importance pets play in our lives and will continue to work with the community to prioritise responsible pet ownership, as well as take all appropriate actions to protect the safety of both people and animals,” he said.
“Dog owners are reminded that their pets must be contained within a fenced area when at home, walked on a lead in public spaces as well as registered and microchipped so they may be returned safely if lost.”