Pit bull owner fails to get pet back

A pit bulldog that savagely attacked a puppy in Port Hedland earlier this year will remain in the pound after its owner failed in his bid to have it removed from the dangerous dog register.

Court documents revealed the man’s dog, named Captain, attacked and severely injured another dog while on a leash in a friend’s backyard on May 10.

The second dog had to be put down as a result of its injuries.

After the attack, the Town of Port Hedland issued a notice to the owner declaring the dog dangerous under the Dog Act 1976.

Last month the State Administrative Tribunal dismissed the owner’s application to have his dog removed from the register in an attempt to return the canine to Perth.

The owner claimed the attack was a first for the dog and was out of character.

It was the 60th dog attack to be investigated by the Town of Port Hedland this year with 11 dogs currently listed on the dangerous dog register.

In its submission to the tribunal, the local council claimed the owner had not made attempts to sterilise or microchip the dog since the incident — steps it claims would enable Captain to be retrieved.

The tribunal concluded the severe attack on the puppy illustrated what behaviour Captain was capable of if disturbed or threatened in any way.

Citing the safety of other dogs and the potential for similar attacks to occur, it was the tribunal’s view the pit bull should remain on the dangerous dog register.