Page 4330 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 25 October 2017

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Following this round of consultation we will be back to speak with the community in early 2018 about the details of the proposed completed network. The final network will then be refined and delivered before the commencement of stage 1 of the light rails services later in 2018.

Animals—dog attack

MRS KIKKERT: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, it is reported that the dog that attacked and killed a person today has been reported as dangerous before. What do you know about past reports about this dog?

MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mrs Kikkert for the question. Before I go to the detail of the question, I would like to give, as I know we all share in this place, my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the woman who has been killed overnight, and wish the gentleman recovering in hospital now a speedy recovery.

I know that there are many questions about this incident but I also know that ACT Policing need to conduct an investigation. I have offered the opposition a briefing on that tomorrow, and I believe that they will be in a position to take that up. What has been reported in the Canberra Times, if that is the reference that Mrs Kikkert makes, is that previously Domestic Animal Services did attend that household. I am advised that it was on one previous occasion. What I said to the media was that this dog was clearly a dangerous dog, because a woman has died. What I do not know is if any authorities had enough information prior to events yesterday to declare that dog dangerous.

MRS KIKKERT: What orders or controls were placed on this dog?

MS FITZHARRIS: None to my knowledge. As I say, ACT Policing need to conduct an investigation. They need to have all the facts on the table.

MR COE: Minister, is it true, as reported—and I quote—“A dog that killed a woman in a Canberra home overnight had bitten another person in the months leading up to the attack”?

MS FITZHARRIS: As I indicated, Domestic Animal Services—I understand at the request of ACT Policing—attended the same residence as the incident overnight. I understand that, at that time, there was an injury to another person at that location and also an injury to the dog. I note that, from my brief reading of that article, not all the information mentioned in the Canberra Times article has been provided to the government.

I understand there are questions. Mr Coe has been offered a briefing tomorrow. It would be prudent of all of us to allow ACT Policing to undertake their important work to gather the facts so that they can make a report to the coroner. Mr Coe has been offered a briefing tomorrow. I understand he will be very pleased to take that up. Currently known facts that can be shared will be provided in that briefing tomorrow.


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