Owner cops $ 1000 fine after mastiff savages cat

A WOMAN whose dog attacked and killed a neighbour’s pet has been slapped with a $ 1000 fine.

Sandra Cook faced Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to failing to ensuring her dog did not attack or cause fear.

The court heard that in January the Condon woman’s mastiff had escaped from an opened gate before running across the road, mauling the neighbour’s cat and biting its owner. Ms Cook intervened and tried to separate the dog from the cat before returning it to her yard.

The cat suffered severe injuries including a fractured leg that would have needed to be amputated, lung and bowel damage. It was euthanised at the JCU veterinary clinic when it was determined it would be unlikely to survive.

Representing Townsville City Council prosecutor Tony Bligh said the woman had shown remorse and acted appropriately after the attack.

“The defendant … acted in a meaningful way by offering to pay veterinary fees that were incurred. I understand she made further offers of assistance to the victim’s owner,” he said. Magistrate Susie Warrington ordered Ms Cook to pay the fine, as well as more than $ 200 for the court and professional costs of the council.

Ms Cook, in her defence, said her dog had thought the cat was a rodent.

“We’ve been having a lot of rats,” she said.

No conviction was recorded.