Witnesses reported seeing a large black dog maul a pet goat in a yard on Wednesday afternoon.

The bull Arab dog, which had been visiting the region with its owners, had escaped from its accommodation and fatally attacked the goat, which was tethered in a nearby yard.

Moyne Shire manager for environment and regulatory services Robert Gibson said the council had seized the dog pending the outcome of further investigations.

He said the attack was not pretty and was a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership.

“People must are responsible for their pets,” he said.

“They are also liable in a criminal sense for dog attacks.

“Its a timely reminder to pet owners to be sure they secure their dogs in their yard and on a lead when out walking is safest,” he said.