Dog fights for life after neighbour’s dog smashes through fence and mauls it

A Queensland dog owner is too terrified to walk into her own yard after the dog next door smashed through a fence to maul her french bulldog, leaving it fighting for life. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Pierre was viciously mauled in his own backyard. His owner is now calling for change to the dangerous dog laws which are currently under review. Picture: Supplied

A distraught dog owner in the Redlands has pleaded for tougher dangerous dog laws after her pet dog was viciously mauled in its own backyard.

WARNING: VERY GRAPHIC IMAGES

Karly Wood said Pierre, her five-year-old french bulldog, was attacked on June 17 after the dog in the property behind her home broke through wooden fencing between the properties.

Mrs Wood said both herself and her husband Adam Connolly were away at the time of the attack.

Mrs Wood described Pierre as her “baby”. Picture: Supplied

“Neighbours heard dogs fighting and decided to go down and have a look and that’s when they noticed the fence planks had been snapped in two,” she said.

“The dog’s head was in our yard attacking and then pulled Pierre’s head through into their yard.”

In a witness statement provided to Mrs Wood, a neighbour said they heard someone calling “help me” repeatedly as well as the sounds of dogs fighting, with multiple neighbours rushing to Pierre’s aide.

Pierre’s injuries were so severe Redlands Veterinary Clinic told her she wasn’t allowed to see him until after he underwent surgery to suture puncture wounds.

Pierre received puncture wounds to multiple parts of his body. Picture: Supplied

Mrs Wood said she is terrified to walk into her backyard after the attack.

“Even when hanging out the washing, like, I know the dog is not there at the moment, but I just don’t want to be in the backyard,” she said.

“We’ve got other dogs in the backyard that, you know, I don’t want them going in there.

“We’re going to have to change our entire lifestyle … because of this we’re going to put up our own proper fencing and refinish the entire backyard just for our safety.”

Mrs Wood said her other two dogs are acting quieter than normal.

Pierre had to undergo two surgeries after the attack. Picture: Supplied

“Every time we come home from the vet, we make sure that they can smell Pierre, and they know that he’s still here,” she said.

Mrs Wood said she was told the dog in the adjacent property would not be euthanised and would only be allowed back to the property if it was in a special enclosure.

It would also be required to wear a muzzle when in public.

Multiple sutures were put in place after the attack. Picture: Supplied

An emotional Mrs Wood is upset the dog will be allowed back to the property after the attack.

“I just look at it and go, if it was a child that was mauled and sustained the injuries instead of my dog it would be put down,” she said.

“But because it’s an animal, it’s like, it’s a first offence … that’s what’s most disheartening.”

Mrs Wood said the neighbours living directly next door also share a fence with the property behind her, and she said she’s terrified for their family.

“They have a toddler,” she said.

“She’s a little girl and is quite often in the backyard playing.”

Mrs Woods said she is grateful to Redlands Veterinary Clinic. Picture: Supplied

Earlier this week Pierre underwent a second operation to remove dead tissue.

Holding back tears, Mrs Wood said the support from the veterinary clinic has been beautiful and that the clinic has become her second home.

“They saved my baby,” she said.

“They literally don’t sugar-coat anything.

“They tell you how it is. And you need that at that time. You need to be told how he’s going truthfully and not held back. Every single surgeon, nurse, perfect. They have been amazing.”

The clinic has told Mrs Wood further surgery may be on the cards.

Pierre after his second surgery where dead tissue was removed. Picture: Supplied

Describing herself as “numb” to the situation, Mrs Wood said the odours and visuals after the attack were “awful.”

“He’s my baby. And it’s been very heartbreaking to watch,” she said.

Pierre is still receiving treatment at the veterinary clinic, with the total cost expected to be in the thousands.

Mrs Wood has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Pierre’s veterinary costs.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has encouraged Queenslanders to have their say on dangerous dog management. You can provide feedback on the department website until Thursday 24 August 2023.

A Redland City Council spokesman could not confirm whether the neighbouring dog will be allowed back at the property.

“Council received a report of a dog attack on another dog in Redland Bay on 17 June 2023,” a statement read.

“The matter is being investigated and the outcome is still to be determined.

“Council reminds all dog owners to ensure their dogs are contained to their property at all times or on a lead if being walked in a public place, unless in a designated off-leash area.”