Cavoodle Gerry requires surgery, multiple stitches after horror dog attack at Whites Beach

A family’s beloved cavoodle was attacked and bitten by a larger dog while on a walk at a popular Surf Coast beach.

Cavoodle Gerry was attacked and bitten by a larger dog at Whites Beach last week.

A family’s beloved pet cavoodle required surgery and multiple stitches after he was bitten by a larger dog at a popular Surf Coast beach last week.

Jasmine Hannett said she was walking her dog, Gerry, at Whites Beach in Torquay on October 19 about 12pm when he was attacked by another dog.

“There were a few dogs around on the beach, he is normally a bit frightened because he has been attacked before,” Ms Hannett said.

The 19-year-old, who has owned Gerry for eight years, said she walked past a woman and her dog, who was playing in the water.

“She has either accidentally let go of the lead or it snapped, and the dog came charging out of the water and attacked Gerry,” she said.

Ms Hannett and the other dog’s owner tried to pull the dog off Gerry.

It is believed the dog was a staffy, or similar larger breed.

Cavoodle Gerry was on a walk with his owner Jasmine Hannett, pictured, when he was bitten by another dog at a popular Torquay beach.

“Gerry was screaming and crying on the sand,” she said.

“I didn’t realise he had been bitten, I thought he was just scared.

“This lovely couple then came over to help me take him to the vet.

“They also got (the dog owner’s) name and phone number for me.”

Gerry underwent surgery the same day and had nine stitches on his back and a tube inserted to drain excess fluid.

“The vet said his injuries were serious but it was lucky he was bitten on his back and nowhere else,” she said.

Ms Hannett’s mother has attempted to contact the dog’s owner but the number was “disconnected”.

“It’s a bit annoying,” she said.

The attack has not been reported to the Surf Coast Shire.

Ms Hannett said Gerry was still hesitant around other dogs after he was attacked three years ago while the family were on holiday.

“My grandpa was walking him and two dogs attacked him,” she said.

“He is scared of everything now … both little dogs and big dogs.

“This was his second time at the beach since the first attack.”

Ms Hannett said Gerry was “doing okay”.

“He is just really tired,” she said.

“I was a bit shaken, but I’m all good now.”

Whites Beach is a 24 hour dog-friendly beach, with canines allowed off-lead at all times of the year.

In September this year, a rescue greyhound was “on the verge of dying” after he was bitten by a snake at Whites Beach.

The dog was paralysed for four days.

The Geelong Advertiser reported earlier this year at least 70 dog attacks were reported to Surf Coast Shire last financial year, with 12 seized and two euthanised.

Originally published as Cavoodle Gerry requires surgery, multiple stitches after horror dog attack at Whites Beach