Source : Perth Now news
Karl Stefanovic’s dog has narrowly avoided being euthanised following an “unprovoked attack” on a person and another dog after the former breakfast TV host and his wife launched legal action.
The couple’s German shepherd, named Chance the Yapper, was issued a dangerous dog declaration over the attack that happened on Military Road in Neutral Bay, Sydney at 12.45pm on April 18, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
According to court documents, eight-year-old Chance “without provocation attacked a person, causing serious injury”.
The documents also stated that Chance “attacked another dog”.
North Sydney Council issued the dangerous dog declaration on July 15, which can mandate euthanasia, but Stefanovic’s wife Jasmine launched legal action against the council on August 6 in a bid to keep Chance alive.
The couple hired ACT lawyer Anne Greenway, whose practice, Lawyers for Companion Animals, specialises in “representation on issues relating to companion animals”.
Before the case could go before court, the Stefanovics reached an agreement with the council.
The council agreed to revoke the dangerous dog order and replace it with a control order for four years.
Under the order, the Stefanovics must muzzle and leash Chance whenever he is being walked in public, court documents said.
They also agreed to install a prominent “warning dog” sign at their Castlecrag home.
Chance must also attend “behavioural or socialisation training” from a “qualified expert” within six months and present a “certificate of completion” to the council, the documents said.
He is also forbidden from being left in the care of anyone under 18 and must be kept in a secure enclosure inside the house to prevent him from escaping.
The maximum penalties for breaching a dangerous dog order include five years jail, a $16,500 fine and the destruction of the dog.
The Stefanovics welcomed Chance into their family, which also includes daughter Harper, on September 4, 2018.
Stefanovic shares three other children Jackson, Willow and River with his first wife Cassandra Thorburn.
The controversial media personality exited the Nine Network and its Today show in June after facing intense backlash over an interview with British far-right activist and convicted criminal Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast.
He had hosted Today for 21 years.
