Woman alleges corgi was ‘seriously attacked’ by rescue dog at puppy school

A woman has alleged her tiny pedigree puppy was ‘seriously attacked’ by a rescue dog during a Brisbane-based obedience class, leaving her and her animal with PTSD and a $7500 vet bill.

A woman whose five-month-old corgi was allegedly “seriously attacked” by another dog at puppy preschool says she’s forked out more than $7500 for medical fees, but is only interested in an apology from the school.

Morgan Harris says her dog Hank was attacked at a puppy school.

Dog owner Morgan Harris, 36, alleged that in February her corgi Hank was attacked by a rescue dog at Jordan Dog Training Obedience Kedron class.

“Hank was seriously and sustainably attacked by another dog attending the class. This dog was known by the trainer to be aggressive or reactive and was asked to move into position for the class to begin without the appropriate harnesses which should be checked and fitted on registration,” she alleged.

In a statement to The Courier-Mail a spokesman for Jordan Dog Training said equipment used to restrain dogs during training varies on a case-by-case basis.

“In some cases, owners prefer to use their own equipment (leads) and in others company equipment is used. No dogs are ever on two leads,” the statement said.

Morgan Harris’ dog Hank who was attacked at a puppy school.

Ms Harris said the dog lunged at Hank as it was being moved into position, causing its lead to snap.

“He then seriously shook Hank side to side and we were both bitten,” she said.

Ms Harris said Hank required emergency surgery the next day due to severed muscles under his rib cage.

The day after Hank’s surgery Ms Harris said she received an email from Jordan Dog Training that stated they had “met their legal obligations”, but she alleged the company failed to apologise and instead offered free obedience training.

The spokesman for Jordan Dog Training said the business was aware of an “altercation between two dogs where a rescue dog attending its first class engaged with another dog”.

The statement said the incident happened before class started when the rescue dog’s leash broke.

“Prior to attending the class, the rescue dog had undergone a behavioural assessment by both the Rescue Dog Association concerned and the local council,” the statement said.

Morgan Harris with her dog Hank who was attacked at a puppy school.

Jordan Dog Training’s statement said immediately after the incident, Hank was “thoroughly checked by the company’s onsite senior veterinary nurse”.

“This inspection concluded there were no apparent injuries to the dog. The dog continued in the class for approximately a further 30 minutes.

“Jordan Dog Training subsequently contacted the owners of the impacted dog on several occasions by both phone and email to check on the welfare of the dog and also to offer free ongoing training for the dog, including in-home training.”

Justin Jordan, Master Trainer at the dog school, said the incident was a “freak accident” where the lead broke and allowed the dog to engage with the other dog.

“Our entire life and business is devoted to the welfare and care of animals and we are deeply concerned when any dog is injured. The welfare of all dogs and clients is of the upmost importance to Jordan Dog Training and our team at all times,” he said.

“Rescue dogs present unique challenges. In this instance two separate reviews concluded the dog was suitable to attend our course.

“This matter is now in the hands of our insurers who are engaging directly with the family

concerned,” he said.

Morgan Harris with her dog Hank who was attacked at a puppy school.

Ms Harris said she and her dog now suffer from PTSD following the incident, as well as having to pay more than $7500 of medical costs.

“It’s something we have to deal with on a daily basis, and five months later is still affecting both of us substantially. I have been attending PTSD counselling as well and this has affected me to the extent that even walking Hank and another dog approaches, the memory of the attack returns vividly,” she said.

A review by the dog school was conducted, as well as a separate investigation from the Brisbane City Council.

It’s understood the owner of the rescue dog was given a verbal warning and during subsequent attempts by Council to locate the dog after the incident, it could not be found.

“Animal attacks can be extremely dangerous and upsetting which is why we always stress the importance of responsible pet ownership at home and in public,” a Brisbane City Council spokeswoman said.

“Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their animal is under control. Any report of an animal attack is investigated as a high priority.”