AN Orange resident says she is “shattered” after her beloved family cat was killed by two vicious dogs in Olympic Drive on Tuesday.
The dogs are believed to be still on the loose in the area after also mauling a second cat in the neighbourhood a day later.
That cat survived the sickening attack but underwent surgery yesterday for severe injuries.
Several north Orange residents have also described incidents in recent weeks where the two dogs have been seen digging under colourbond fences to gain access to pets in yards.
The devastated resident, who did not wish to be named, was visibly upset yesterday when she described the impact the cat’s death has had on her family.
“We had our cat for four and a half years, she was friendly, quiet and all the neighbours knew her and loved her,” she said.
“She always slept in the house at night safe and sound but during the day cats inevitably have to wander and that’s when the dogs got her.
“My next door neighbour also told me that they have seen the dogs about three weeks ago trying to get into backyards. There are small children everywhere around here, who knows what could happen. It makes me so upset and angry.”
Witnesses to the attack that killed the woman’s cat reported it to Orange City Council rangers who as of yesterday have been unable to catch the two dogs.
Witnesses described the dogs as being “middle sized” with collars, indicating they have an owner somewhere in the city.
Judith Carney of the Summer Street Vet Clinic was concerned to hear of the recent spate of attacks and said out of control dogs should not be allowed to roam the streets.
“The concerning thing is that if a dog can do so much damage to a cat which is normally able to get away quickly, imagine what they could do to a small child,” she said.
“You can really get some very nasty bites from dogs and they can do a great deal of long lasting damage.”
Orange City Council building and environment manager Mark Hodges said patrols had been stepped up in the area to try to catch the dogs.
“This time of year strangely enough is when these type of dog attacks ramp up a bit but at the end of the day it gets back to people being responsible for their dogs and ensuring they are secured ... so they don’t get out and do this type of thing to other animals,” he said.
If you have seen the two dogs, do not approach them. Instead call council rangers immediately on either 6393 8000 or after hours on 1300 650 511.