The inquest will explore issues including processes of dog breed identification,interim measures while a dog is awaiting potential declaration as a dangerous,menacing or restricted animal,the efficacy of restricted breed regimes and effectiveness of public awareness campaigns.
Counsel assisting the coroner David Kell,SC,said the inquest was about identifying any shortcomings by people or organisations and lessons to be learned,rather than legal liability.
In his opening address on Monday,Kell said the six-year-old dog involved in the baby’s death had been advertised on Gumtree as a pure breed American Staffordshire terrier puppy and was bought by the baby’s father for $500 in 2015.
The dog was microchipped and registered as an American Staffordshire terrier.
In June 2021,a ranger was called to the family home after a neighbour’s cocker spaniel was found dead on the back porch with neck wounds and blood in its fur. The inquest heard the ranger thought the attacking dog had “pitbull in him” as he was tan with a liver nose and yellow eyes.
Kell said there was a hole under the fence between the properties,but as there were no witnesses to the attack,it was “impossible to determine” whether the cocker spaniel was dragged under the fence or entered the yard of its own accord,“although this was referred to as being highly improbable”.