Police are still investigating the death of a 91-year-old woman killed in a dog attack on the South Coast almost two months ago.
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The attack on March 29 involved three dogs and five people, including the elderly woman who suffered serious injuries and died at the scene on Collingwood Beach at Vincentia.
The dogs were seized by Shoalhaven City Council rangers and the owners have been assisting police with their inquiries.
A 47-year-old man and three women aged 29, 73 and 79 were taken to hospital suffering lacerations and bite marks.
All four have since been released although the two older women continue to recover from their injuries at home.
Superintendent Greg Moore says the dogs are believed to be a bullmastiff crossbreed.
"That's certainly one aspect that we'll be looking into as part of our investigation and report to the coroner," Supt Moore said on Wednesday.
He said it was a timely reminder to ensure dogs with a more "savage nature" are controlled appropriately.
"You have them certainly secure in the yards and adequate fencing to ensure the animals can't escape from the yard and if they're out, they're out on a leash," he said.
Supt Moore said the dogs involved in the attack have been put down.
Officers are still investigating the incident and are seeking witnesses to the attack or anyone who may have encountered the dogs previously.
Two of the dogs are described as medium-sized and brindle-coloured while the third is white with brown patches.
Bullmastiffs are known for their large size, solid build and short muzzle.
Superintendent Greg Moore said police would like to talk to anyone who witnessed the attack, or anyone who had encountered the dogs involved previously.
"This is heartbreaking for the family of the people involved in the attack," he said.
"They were good people out for a Sunday walk. That's one of the motivations for our investigators to do the best job they can to prevent any similar incidents happening.
"We believe there are witnesses out there that may have information about the care and control of these dogs in the weeks and months leading up to these attacks that may be helpful."
Two of the dogs are described as being bull-mastiff cross breeds, of medium-sized and brindle in colouring. The third is a bull-mastiff cross breed of medium-sized and white with brown patches.
Superintendent Moore encouraged all dog owners to take responsibility for their animals.
"This is a timely reminder for all dog owners to ensure their dogs are secured on their property and under adequate control at all times," he said.
If you have any information, or previous contact with the dogs, please contact Nowra Detectives on (02) 4421 9699 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
- AAP
