Alarming rise in dog attack stats
NEW statistics released by Gold Coast City Council show an average of almost two dog attacks are happening in the city each day.
Council figures show there have been 156 dog attacks reported on the Gold Coast since the start of this year.
Paradise Point resident Lynette Johnston’s pet dog Kyla had its leg nearly ripped off by an off-leash dog last month on Oxley Dve.
A number of dogs in the area have been subject of complaints to council and even a petition calling for action.
A spokesman for Gold Coast City Council said investigations were ongoing.
More recently, another pet dog was attacked by two staffytype dogs at Shearwater Park, also at Paradise Point. Maree Cavill wrote on social media on March 25 her husband had been injured trying to fend the dogs off before the owners of the attacking dogs fled.
The attacks reported so far this year continue a disturbing trend. Last year, 633 complaints were made to council regarding dog attacks or bites on people or animals, up more than 16 per cent from 2016 which recorded 543 incidents.
The figures have shocked Ms Johnston, who says she is still not over the dog attack that led to Kyla’s leg having to be amputated.
“It’s frightening,” she said. “It shocks me to the core. I’d like to think (council) are shocked enough to come up with a solution.”
Ms Johnston said Kyla’s vet bill was $2500.
According to the statistics, staffy-type dogs top the list for most attacks by breed, with 77 complaints in 2016 and 197 last year.
Dog trainer Lia Coasta of Canine Journeys said while the statistics were appalling, particular dog breeds were not to blame.
“I am not an advocate of Specific Breed Legislation but, in my opinion, none of the bull breeds are recommended for novice owners,” she said
“It’s a complex issue, but the short answer is if there are any concerns about a dog’s behaviour, it’s the guardian’s full responsibility to prevent attacks and bites by appropriately managing ... and training ... and seeking the assistance of a qualified behaviour trainer and/or behavioural vet,” she said.