Salisbury North chihuahua attack: Aggressor shar pei euthanised

A Salisbury North family was left with a huge vet bill after two dogs attacked their beloved pet — now another is counting the cost after the trauma caused by their animals.

A dog responsible for attacking and mauling a chihuahua at Salisbury North last month has been euthanised.

Two dogs, understood to be shar peis, attacked a chihuahua named Estelle in the yard of her family home in early May, prompting an investigation by Salisbury Council.

It left seven-year-old Estelle with four broken ribs and deep lacerations – and her owners with a huge vet bill as their beloved pet awaited further scans.

At the culmination of the treatment Estelle required, her family was left with a bill for $8345.96.

A shar pei that attacked a Chihuahua at Salisbury North last month. Picture: Facebook

A shar pei that attacked a chihuahua at Salisbury North last month. Picture: Facebook

Dashcam footage from the attack showed Estelle’s family desperately trying to scare the attackers away – with one owner sprawled on the ground to stop one of the dogs.

The video showed a young child and her mother rushing back inside the house to help their injured pup.

Estelle was left in a critical condition at an emergency vet for several hours before being upgraded to stable.

The pooch was bed bound for about two weeks before having her bandages and stitches removed.

Estelle’s owner, who did not want to be named, said the pet was recovering well but had been left traumatised.

“She is sleeping more than before, she’s not as energetic and she clings to (her owner) and follows her everywhere,” she said.

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A spokeswoman for the council confirmed the investigation was finalised at the end of last week.

A statement said the euthanised dog was “responsible for the aggression”.

The second dog, which can be seen fleeing from the scene of the attack, was not subject to the same order.

“The other dog that was wandering at large is subject to an order to prevent repeat behaviours of escaping and harassing any other person or animal,” the statement read.

At the time of the attack, a spokeswoman for the council said outcomes of the investigation could include “fines and/or orders on the dogs to prevent repeat behaviours”.

The council would not comment if the euthanised dog had been aggressive on other occasions.

The council also would not confirm if the owner had been fined or penalised.

In June 2021 it was revealed the Salisbury Council area was among the worst council areas in the state for dog attacks having recorded 201 between 2017 and 2020.

The latest council report into dog management showed there were 134 attacks in 2019/20.