Puppy owner petitions for more dog parks claiming husky was attacked five times at Huntfield Height

After a husky’s weekly dog park visit descended into dogfight – not once but five times – its owner has called for more facilities to combat overcrowding.

Residents of Adelaide’s south are calling for more dog parks after concerned husky owner claims his puppy was attacked five times since January.

After multiple alleged attacks on now 11-month-old Keiko at a Hunfield Heights park, Tyson O’Dell started a petition asking for increased dog-friendly parks in the Onkaparinga council area.

“I try to go the dog park at least once a week and quite a few times there are owners at the park that don’t give a rats because they are too busy talking rather than looking at their dogs,” Mr O’Dell said.

Tyson O'Dell and his 11-month-old husky, Keiko. Pic: Tyson O'Dell

“She was attacked three times by he same pit bull and the other two times were by a German Shepherd.

“These dogs are not trained to be with other dogs, it’s an absolute brawl.”

Despite the recent attacks, Mr O’Dell – who did not report the incidents – still wants to use the facilities but wishes there were more spaces within the council area to prevent overcrowding, saying there can be up to 25 dogs at one park during peak times.

“The last thing I want is for her to escape and go attack other dogs,” he said.

“With Covid, a lot more people are owning dogs, we need more dog parks to make up for that.

“There’s a 20km radius between dog parks, it’s not enough.”

In a statement City of Onkaparinga said the districts’s three dog parks provided mix of facilities and served a high volume of animals.

The O’Dell’s dog after one of the attacks. Picture: Tyson O'Dell

“All of our previous research indicated the three parks in Huntfield Heights (Dinton Farm), Happy Valley (Minkarra Park) and Aldinga (Symonds Reserve) provide the right mix of facilities to ensure we can usefully serve a high number of residents and their dogs,” the statement read.

“Our service levels are subject to a review of the Open Space Strategic Management Plan, which is due next year, and this includes the potential to implement changes to the above sites, such as separate areas for smaller breeds.

“Regardless of where you’re exercising your dog, the onus is on the owner to take responsibility for their dog and ensure they’re under effective control at all time.”