During the week there was an incident reported of a dog attack, outside the Clubrooms and during training hours. During the incident no dog, or person, luckily was injured. This incident is not isolated. This is distressing for all, particularly when witnessed or personally experienced by a minor, as was the case in this incident.

We encourage all dog owners to be mindful that ERFC is a sports facility, training children and young adults. We have a duty of care as members of our Community and the Club, to protect each other, and ensure our environment is safe, and that no actions of ours, could result in danger

As the Club grounds are public, we are unable to stop anyone entering the grounds during training or game day, however we remind you, when walking your dogs, during training hours or game days, that you are in full control of your dog(s) at all times, which includes keeping your dog on a leash

Dogs are not allowed:
- On the synthetic pitch or top oval at any time. This includes during training or on game day. Holes dug up by dogs on the top oval, could result in players sustaining serious injuries whilst training or playing a game.
- In the club rooms (exception: guide dogs)
Clean up after your dog(s):
You need to:
- Carry a bag or scoop for removing any dog poo left by your dog;
- Remove and appropriately dispose of any dog poo left by your dog;
- If asked, show that you have a suitable bag or scoop for removing dog poo.
- If you don’t remove any dog poo left by your dog, you may be fined.

Nillumbik Council is aware of the Clubs concerns over the years, regarding dogs on the top pitch, and has subsequently approved a development project at Eltham North to construct a purpose built leash free dog park.
LINK: https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Develop/Projects-and-works/Eltham-North-Dog-Park

Below is some useful information on, how to report a dog attack and preventing dog attacks in public areas.
We appreciate your cooperation, and thank you all for your continued support.

Gabby Montagnese
Interim President.

How to report a dog attack
To report an attack on a person, animal or pet you can call:
your local council or
the Dangerous Dogs Hotline on 136 186.
LINK: https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Home

The Dangerous Dogs Hotline gives the community an additional way of reporting dangerous dogs.
The hotline 136 186 operates 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. You will be connected to our customer service centre. When prompted, select option 1 — to report an animal offence including a dangerous dog. All reports of dangerous dogs are recorded and information is forwarded to the relevant local council.

Investigation and follow up
It is the Victorian Government’s expectation that all dangerous dog reports received by local councils will be promptly investigated. Caller information will be provided to councils where hotline operators get consent to do so. If a caller’s details are provided, it is expected local councils will follow up with the resident to let them know the outcome.

Preventing dog attacks:
We have tips and information on preventing dog attacks in the home and preventing dog attacks in public.
LINK: https://bit.ly/3HNBMnn
LINK: https://bit.ly/3Hy9EEl

Penalties for dog attacks:
If your dog attacks a person or animal:
- you may be liable for thousands of dollars in fines
- your dog may be seized and euthanased
- you may also have to pay compensation for any damage caused by your dog as ordered by the court.
If you set your dog to deliberately attack a person or animal you can be sentenced to a maximum of 6 months in prison.
If your dog attacks a person, endangering their life or causing death, you may be charged under the Crimes Act and face possible imprisonment of 5 or 10 years jail if your dog:
- is already a declared dangerous dog
- is a declared menacing dog
- is a trained attack or guard dog
- fits the restricted breed dog standard (registered or unregistered restricted breed dog).
Note: where the owner of a dog is under the age of 18 years, the parent or guardian of that owner is deemed the legal owner of the dog and subject to any penalties or prosecutions.