Appeal in State Administrative Tribunal over dangerous dog declaration against Dozer the labrador continues

An appeal against the City of Greater Geraldton’s dangerous dog declaration of Dozer the labrador is continuing in the State Administrative Tribunal. Despite Dozer and his family relocating to Wyndham in WA’s far north since he was released from the city’s animal management facility, the declaration is still the subject of an appeal from Dozer’s owners in the tribunal. The matter was listed for a directions hearing on Friday. “Today’s hearing concerning Dozer did not reach a resolution and the matter will proceed to a final SAT hearing at a yet to be determined date,” city CEO Ross McKim said. Dozer’s case has triggered a social media uproar after city rangers declared him a dangerous dog after an alleged attack against a woman walking her German shepherd in August. Dozer’s owner Jill Weller said she was told Dozer would be put down within days, a claim which the city denies. The city, however, claims Dozer was involved in another incident with the same woman and her German shepherd previously, although Ms Weller says she was unaware of any past reports or complaints. Conditions that come with a dangerous dog declaration include that owners must display warning signs, use a specific collar and muzzle, ensure proper confinement at home and ensure the dog is on a leash in public. Ms Weller has organised an independent dog behaviour assessment for Dozer, to be presented to the tribunal.