Couple fights to save dog Turbo
Petition started after man attacked
‘‘ THEY (COUNCIL) ARE TRYING TO TELL US THAT HE WAS OFF HIS LEAD, WE JUST DON’T THINK THAT IS THE CASE.
A COUPLE is fighting to save their dog from death row after it attacked a man at their Westbrook home.
Brooke Wilson has started a online petition to save nineyear-old bull mastiff cross boxer Turbo after the incident on Thursday.
Ms Wilson said the dog had been tied to a caravan in the unfenced yard before all the occupants had left the house that morning.
Her partner Jamie received a call later that day telling him Turbo had attacked someone while off his leash and had been seized as he was a dangerous dog.
“They (council) are trying to tell us that he was off his lead, we just don’t think that is the case,” Ms Wilson said.
She said all she and her partner were told was Turbo attacked a man and were unable to find out any more details. They believe someone entered their yard.
Toowoomba Regional Council parks and recreation services portfolio leader councillor Joe Ramia told The Chronicle Turbo attacked a
BROOKE WILSON
man on his left arm causing bodily harm about 8.30am in Main St, Westbrook.
“The person attacked was a male, aged early 60s, who was a local resident walking on Main St, Westbrook as a passer-by,” Cr Ramia said.
Animal management officers started an investigation after being notified about 10.30am. Cr Ramia said investigators located the dog suspected of attacking the man.
“The dog was seized about 1.25pm on the day of the attack. A short time later the investigators located the owner of the dog and informed him the dog was involved in an attack,” he said.
While Ms Wilson’s partner did sign a surrender form for council to take possession of the dog, she believes they had no choice and wants to save Turbo from being put down.
“Council intends to issue a proposal with regard to this dog being a regulated dangerous dog in accordance with sections 89 and 95 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008,” Cr Ramia said.
“The dog is now the property of the Toowoomba Regional Council. The council will manage the dog as it considers appropriate for the safety and health of the community.
“The owner has been fully informed of what occurred and subsequently made a decision to surrender the dog. The dog owner is fully aware the dog may be euthanised.”
Ms Wilson was told Turbo would be put down yesterday, but was still alive as of yesterday afternoon.