‘Attack’ dog mystery
Inspectors fail to find alleged culprit
GOLD COAST animal management inspectors have been unable to find the dog allegedly behind a vicious attack on another dog earlier this month.
A terrier lost its leg after an unprovoked mauling on a public pathway at Paradise Point two weeks ago, one of a number of attacks allegedly concerning three dogs residing at an Oxley Dr property.
Despite residents claiming to have regularly seen three dogs, inspectors have repeatedly failed to locate the third staffy-type dog.
A photo supplied to the Bulletin allegedly shows the third dog that resides at the property, also the same dog involved in the latest attack.
Lynette Johnston, the owner of the attacked dog, claims the photo was taken on Tuesday by an acquaintance, however a visit to the Paradise Point property yesterday by Gold Coast City Council animal management inspectors failed to locate the dog.
In the photo, a tan and white staffy-type dog can be seen walking behind a pool fence, believed to be the same secure enclosure where two declared dangerous dogs are being held legally.
The other two dogs have been subject to 16 complaints of noise and roaming for the past two years.
On March 10, owner Ms Johnston was walking Kyla, her wheaten terrier, when the tan and white dog attacked. Kyla was rushed to the vet and had her leg amputated.
Ms Johnston said she recognised the dog in the photo as the one that attacked her pup and that the other two dogs on the property are coloured differently – one is brindle and the other is white.
“There are three dogs in there, two have a (declared dangerous) permit,” she said.
Only two dogs are allowed on a property unless the owners have asked for a third dog permit. Council previously confirmed the property does not have a third dog permit.
“(The owners) have no control over them,” Ms Johnston said. “It’s absolutely ridiculous. Kyla doesn’t want to go that way, which is really annoying because (the park across the bridge) is really lovely. Everyone’s just stopped going there.”
She said since the incident she hadn’t seen the dogs roaming.
Shine Lawyers’ solicitor Kimberly Allen said owners needed to take pet ownership seriously.
A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said they were continuing to investigate.
“The City is investing significant resources into locating the dog responsible for the attack.Regarding the other two dogs, their owner remains compliant. An inspection was undertaken at the property today and the owner remains compliant with the required conditions.”