’Attack’ dogs subject to 15 complaints

THE dogs at the centre of a number of alleged attacks on the northern Gold Coast have been subject to more than 15 complaints in two years.

Noise and roaming complaints about the pair of bull terrier-type dogs at the Oxley Dr, Paradise Point property have been investigated and resolved on at least 16 occasions since 2016, according to animal management.

Yesterday the Bulletin reported on a vicious dog attack where one of the Oxley Dr address’s dogs allegedly mauled a 13-month-old soft coated wheaten terrier at the weekend.

It left Kyla without her front right leg, which was amputated earlier this week.

According to concerned residents, the dogs had also been allowed to roam. This is despite council confirming that two dogs on the property were subject to declared dangerous dog legislation.

This means the dogs must be: contained within a “childproof, six-foot enclosure with self-closing and self-latching gates and the dog must be desexed, microchipped and muzzled in public.”

A third dog, which is believed to have been involved in the latest attack, was not subject to the dangerous dog law.

However, an animal management spokesperson said the property did not have a permit for three dogs, despite numerous residents citing three resided there.

“The owners only have a permit for two dogs and have been informed that if they intend on keeping a third ... they will be required to apply,” the spokesperson said. “When the property was inspected (January 30), only two dogs were present.”

The spokesperson did not elaborate on how council were dealing with the incident, stating only that the investigation was thorough.

Local councillor Cameron Caldwell said he was horrified by the attack.

“The severity of the injuries were very confronting,” he said. The general feeling and what I want to see for our area, is a safe neighbourhood.

“Not where people are not comfortable because of vicious, mauling dogs.”

Cr Caldwell said he had followed up with officers “to ensure every effort” was made to deal with the dog involved.

Lynette Johnston, whose dog was allegedly attacked by the Oxley Dr dog, said Kyla was recovering well.

She said a Tuesday night meeting had drawn more than 50 concerned residents.

Ms Johnston has started a petition to have council euthanise the dog that attacked Kyla.

People at the address yesterday denied involvement in the latest attack.