CONCERNS are being raised about a lack of communication between pet owners and staff at Canberra’s pound.

Shadow City Services Minister Nicole Lawder said her office has been inundated with correspondence about poor communication from Domestic Animal Services (DAS) staff.

“In a recent dog attack in Tuggeranong, both the person walking the dog that was attacked and a witness to the attack repeatedly tried to contact DAS about the incident and faced continued difficulty in speaking to someone about the situation and in receiving an update on the invesigation,” said Lawder.

“This story follows several similar occurrences whereby residents have been unable to get information from DAS about investigations and have reportedly been told by DAS employees that they are understaffed.”

Lawder’s comments come despite reassurance from City Services Minister Chris Steel that DAS is adequately staffed.

“If you or your dog has been a victim of a dog attack, you’re going to want updates on the investigation,” she said.

“If your dog has been seized for whatever reason, you’re going to want updates on the investigation.

“If DAS is understaffed, the government must step up and improve the situation at once.”