Woman in fear after dogs rip pet apart
TOWNSVILLE CITY Council has euthanised two dogs after they killed a Vincent grandmother’s beloved maltese terrier in her own backyard.
The family said three American staffies from a neighbouring property got through a fence and “ripped apart” Marilyn Turner’s pet last week.
“I didn’t know what to do – I went to get the hose,” the 70- year- old said.
While trying to save her pet Kai, Ms Turner was knocked to the ground by one of the dogs and suffered a crushed disc vertebrae.
The dogs then began fighting with each other before their owner entered the yard to break it up.
“She handed my dog to me dripping blood,” Ms Turner said.
“I went under the house and gave him mouth to mouth and I wrapped him up.
“I was just in shock, he just bled out.”
Townsville City Council yesterday confirmed two dogs involved had been put down.
The cCouncil denied a third dog was involved.
“Investigations are ongoing but initial findings, which include interviews with a witness to the dog attacks, suggest only two dogs were involved,” a council spokesman said.
Ms Turner’s son, Shane, was frustrated the council took five days to act and only destroyed two out of the three dogs he claims were responsible for the attack.
“There were definitely three – there were three dogs in the yard killing one little dog,” Mr Turner said.
“It’s frustrating that the council doesn’t act swiftly enough.”
The website says a dog can be declared dangerous if it attacks or injures another person or animal.
“There is no evidence to support declaring a third dog from the property as dangerous,” a council spokesman said.
Mr Turner is upset his mother has to live in fear of the remaining dog next door.
“I was digging the grave and ( the owner) said ‘ they’re not savage’,” Mr Turner said.
Ms Turner said she and her other dog Buddy were struggling to come to terms with Kai’s death.
“We miss him terribly,” she said, fighting back tears. “Buddy won’t leave my side.”
“I gave up walking my dogs and I’m not even safe in my house.”