Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) has suspended its investigation into the cruel death of an alpaca in Giralang in March when it was attacked by a dog.
Executive Branch Manager, City Presentation at TCCS, Stephen Alegria said the investigation was a high priority and key actions taken included collecting statements from two eye witnesses, a door knock of 14 properties in the area, and a re-enactment of the incident.
“We also followed four potential leads including from social media and during the investigation, liaised with ACT Policing and the RSPCA ACT,” Mr Alegria said.
“The ACT Government has some of the strongest laws in Australia relating to dog attacks, and a new offence was introduced in the 2017 legislation amendments which applies where a person’s dog attacks another person or animal.”
He said that person must give the affected person reasonable assistance as requested, including their contact details.
He said it was also an offence for the person responsible for the attack not to report a serious incident to Domestic Animal Services.
“We would like to remind all dog owners that responsible pet ownership is everyone’s responsibility and you must ensure you have your dog under effective control at all times,” Mr Alegria said.
He said that while the dog or its owner in this attack had not been identified, the case file remained active and the investigation would be resumed if and when further information became available.
