Dog attack in Pakenham

Police said a 'mastiff-type' dog was responsible for the vicious attack.

By Aneeka Simonis

A PAKENHAM man was rushed to hospital to undergo surgery following a vicious dog attack in Pakenham.
The 29-year-old was mauled by a ‘mastiff-type’ dog while walking along Livingstone Boulevard at about 7.30pm on Thursday 27 October with his wife and dog.
He was attacked on the face, torso, arms and legs.
Police said he was taken to Dandenong Hospital for surgery as a result of the bloody attack, and Cardinia Shire Council officers have seized the dog.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said the mastiff had escaped its yard, and began “charging toward” the pair as they walked their dog.
The victim picked up his dog to protect it from the offending dog which then launched at him, attacking his face, torso, arms and legs.
He commended two men who intervened, saving the victim from further injury.
“Two males managed to drag the dog off before police arrived. They did a magnificent job,” Snr Sgt Prowd said.
The dog was seized by Cardinia Shire Council officers at the scene.
The man was transferred to Dandenong Hospital for surgery.
Snr Sgt Prowd said dog owners needed to be sure to keep their pets in a secured area.
“This is a timely reminder in responsible dog ownership and to make sure pets are kept in a secured yard,” he said.