The NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has today reminded all local Councils of the seriousness of their responsibilities when a concerned resident reports a dangerous dog, or dogs, in their community.

The Minister has also called on worried residents to report potentially dangerous dogs, reassuring people that their concerns must be investigated by their Council.

The Minister’s calls come as a judge this morning awarded more than $120,000 in damages to a Warren family following the death of four-year-old Tyra Kuehne.

In 2008, a Coroner found Tyra was mauled to death by pig hunting dogs in July 2006.

``Following Tyra’s death, the Companion Animals Act 1998 was amended to give Councils powers to declare a dog to be considered `dangerous’ if it is kept or used for the purposes of hunting,’’ Mr Page said.

``The Act requires all `dangerous’ dogs to be kept in a child-proof enclosure.’’

Mr Page said in response to the Coroner’s 2008 report into Tyra’s death, the Coroner recommended a review of Warren Shire Council’s administering of the Companion Animals Act 1998, particularly with regard to the `dangerous’ and `restricted dog’ provisions of the Act.

``As a result, the former Local Government Department liaised closely with Warren Shire Council, reviewing and looking to improve all aspects of the Council’s companion animals management program.

``Departmental staff also held training programs for Warren Shire Council staff.

``As Local Government Minister, I remind Councils of their responsibilities with regard to dangerous dogs and the seriousness of all residents’ reports of potentially dangerous dogs.’’