13/03/2025
Help Needed – Dog Attack at Reg Bond Park Viveash
Hello, community. On Sunday, Feb 16, between 6:10 – 6:15 am, at Reg Bond Park / Baldivis Reserve on the river at the top of the footpath meeting Bernley Drive and across the road from 33B Bernley Drive in Viveash, my 15-year-old, 5kg, deaf, and likely vision-impaired toy poodle was attacked by a white, medium-sized dog (possibly a Staffy cross). My dog was on lead when the off leash dog suddenly lunged at him. This did not occur in a dog off lead section of the park.
Before the attack, I saw the owner, who identified himself as “Simon” put the white dog on a lead and step off the path to let another dog pass. At that point I looked down at my dog, so he wouldn’t get tangled between two posts. Moments later, the white dog was loose and racing toward us. At first, it seemed harmless, but then the dog suddenly attacked. I lifted my dog by his harness, but the white dog grabbed his back legs, turning us 180 degrees, thrashing and mauling my dog. Simon, who was about 80m away, shouted but didn’t arrive on scene immediately. When he did, he struggled to pull his dog off mine. I saw the dog take a deep bite on my dog's upper right rump before finally letting go. Blood dripped onto the ground as I picked my dog up.
Simon gave me his number - 0474 450 63 - but as you can see, it's missing a digit. In Simon’s presence, I attempted to call, but the call seemed to go to voicemail. Simon then said, “I don’t have my phone on me, and it is switched off.” He seemed surprised that I would be taking my dog to the vet. Simon, who appeared to be in his 50s with grey or blonde hair and a medium build, was driving a red Holden ute or similar. I would like to believe that, in the distress of the attack, I entered the number incorrectly and that Simon gave me the right number and genuinely wanted to help with the vet bill.
I haven’t seen Simon at the park since, but I know he’s been there before. If you know him, please DM me with his number or forward his details to the Swan ranger on 9267 9267. If you see him along the river in Viveash and walk past a red ute (He was, and I’ve seen him parked on Bernley Dr previously) please take a pic of his number plate and send it to me or the ranger or me.
The worrying part is that Simon’s dog is very cute, with distinctive forward-facing floppy ears and black spots under its ear fur. I fear a child could be hurt next.
If you are a member of other community groups in Swan or nearby please feel free to share this post. Thank you for reading and for any help you can provide. ❤️
