NEWS DESK
Pit bull on death row after attack AN unregistered pit bull cross that allegedly “took the cheek off” a Frankston North woman is on death row at the council pound until Local Laws investigations are completed. Council spokeswoman Sam Jackson said a seizure notice has been issued to the owner after the dog attack in Rosemary Crescent, Sunday 13 December. The incident was reported to the council at 12.42pm and the dog seized by a council ranger at 12.59pm. Contrary to early reports, the dog was not shot by either police or council officers. “Council officers do not carry firearms,” Ms Jackson said. Police arrested the Frankston North dog owner at the scene. He was interviewed for unlawful assault and handling stolen goods but was later released, pending possible charges by summons. Frankston Senior Sergeant Steve
Burt said police were investigating the man “for offences prior to the dog attack” which may relate to a property dispute between himself and the woman. The victim, 37, was forced to have surgery at Frankston Hospital. Emma McKnight told radio station 3AW that her dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier cross, was attacked on their morning walk when the pit bull came out of a gate. She said she shielded her dog and the pit bull latched onto her arm. “It lock-jawed onto my arm, I tried to get it off and it went for my face and took the cheek off my face.” Ms McKnight said she needed 150 stitches and plastic surgery to repair her lacerated cheek. She said the dangerous dog should be put down. “I wouldn’t even call it a dog, it’s a creature,” she said. Stephen Taylor
Girl’s knife attack at police station A NEW, higher front counter at Frankston police station helped thwart a stabbing attack by a 16-year-old girl last week. She allegedly lunged at an officer with a large knife after a short conversation at 8.20pm, Monday (14 December), but did not make contact. Senior Sergeant Stephen Burt said the girl, of Narre Warren, was disarmed and taken into custody without injury to anyone. She was remanded in custody and will undergo psychiatric assessment before appearing at Frankston Children’s Court at a later date. “The police members involved responded well to a very dangerous situation with the welfare of the girl paramount,” Senior Sergeant Burt said. “The upgrades in security were timely and provided a high level of safety to all involved.”
Operation Larder: Volunteers Adam Zarb, Agnes Simmons and Ryan Lewandowski load food hampers into the car for transport to clients. Picture: Yanni
Hampers help fill the larder FRANKSTON Uniting Church, High St, was a hive of activity, Thursday, as volunteers worked frantically to pack hampers for the Frankston Community Appeal. Their role in Operation Larder, coordinated by Community Support Frankston, was to provide 325 hampers to Frankston families experiencing hardship this Christmas. And they did it. “The Frankston appeal, in its 25th year, relies on the generosity of local businesses, individuals and other groups that provide cash and in-kind donations to keep up with requests for assistance,” Community Support manager Steve Phillips said.
“It is also made possible by the significant volunteer effort that goes into making up the hampers each year. “Unfortunately, the festive season brings increased stress and financial pressures to many families, particularly those already finding it hard to put food on the table and look after young ones.” CSF partners with more than a dozen support agencies in Frankston, including St Vincent de Paul, Salvocare Eastern and WAYYS Domestic Violence Outreach team, to make sure that those most in need are identified and receive hampers. The appeal received a boost from the Frankston Freemasons this year:
they donated nearly 2000 Tote bags to make sure those receiving hampers had enough strong bags to cope with the trip home on public transport. Community Support Frankston relies on in-kind donations, such as food and toys, to put into hampers and packs for individuals and families that may miss out on the initial 325 hamper list. “Items such as tinned hams, vegetables and items to make a basic meal can be hard to come by in donated goods,” Mr Phillips said. Those interested in donating to the Frankston Community Appeal, or getting involved, should email Mr Phillips at csf@frankston.net
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