Coming after the weekend’s incident where a staghound mauled another dog and attacked a resident, the council is hoping residents will ensure their pets are microchipped and registered.

Council’s development and environmental services director Ralph Tambasco said there had been no record of the staghound involved in the attack before it happened.

“We’re asking the community to let us know where they

feel there might be dogs which intimidate or seem

vicious,” Mr Tambasco said.

Far from being a witchhunt, Mr Tambasco said council’s animal control officer would investigate to see if the animals are registered and microchipped.

Mr Tambasco said it was aimed at preventing any future

animal attacks and there were three penalties which council could impose on animal owners if necessary.

Dogs which are not registered or microchipped can be fined under the Companion Animals Act and can also

be declared dangerous.

“People should be able to walk around town without fear

or intimidation by dogs,” Mr Tambasco said.

Currently there are no dangerous dog declarations in Junee and to council’s knowledge there are no restricted breeds in the shire.

In an emergency, residents can contact council’s animal control officer on 0427 694 272.

Restricted dog breeds in NSW

- Japanese tosa

- American pitbull terrier or pitbull terrier

- Argentinean fighting dog (Dogo Argentino)

- Brazilian fighting dog (Fila Brasiliero)

Penalties

< p>On-the-spot fines under the Companion Animals Act

- Unregistered dog: $165

- Non-microchipped dog: $165

- Failure to control animal: $220

Victims of dog attacks can also pursue action through court.