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In the wake of a traumatic attack, a real estate principal has issued a powerful warning to owners and tenants.
Tony Hutchinson, principal of Hutchinson Real Estate in Broome, was severely injured in a dog attack while conducting a property appraisal.
Hutchinson was asked to visit the property by the owner, who had not told him that there were dogs on the site. There were no signs warning of the presence of guard dogs.
When Hutchinson arrived at the property, he was set upon by one dog who latched onto his leg, causing the agent to fall to the ground. A second dog attacked, while a third stood nearby.
“The dog had very powerful jaws, so as well as ripping flesh it crushed bones,” Hutchinson told ABC Kimberley.
“I had to scramble up onto the bonnet of the car bleeding like a stuck pig,” Hutchinson said. “I’d be killed if I hadn’t got up off the ground.”
According to Hutchinson, the dogs looked “like pitbulls or American staffies” and had been known to have recently attacked another man and a dog. Neighbours feared that a child would soon be hurt if no steps were taken.
“It was extremely traumatic,” Hutchinson said. “The next person’s going to die.”
The real estate principal is still in recovery from the attack, which left him in a wheelchair and unable to walk.
Speaking to tenants, property owners and property managers, Hutchinson urged dog owners to be responsible about managing their pet’s behaviour.
“Although your dog may be controllable while you are home, the behaviour can change when you aren’t around,” the principal said.
“If you have an agent, or anyone else, coming to your property while you’re not home, be sure to remove or restrain your dogs, and make them aware there are animals on the premises.”
The Shire of Broome’s animal control department is currently investigating the incident.
On the council’s website, it states that “dog attacks are a serious offence carrying with them substantial penalties”.
“Any dog deemed to be a dangerous dog by shire rangers are required to adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety of the community.”
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