Top Brisbane suburbs for animal attacks revealed by council

RESIDENTS of the Queensland capital are reporting dozens of animal attacks to local authorities every month, with new figures revealing the suburbs you need to be most weary of. SEE THE FULL LIST.

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BRISBANE residents are reporting dozens of animal attacks to local authorities every month, with new figures revealing the suburbs to be weary of.

More than 550 reports of animals attacking people were lodged with the Brisbane City Council in the twelve months to March this year — up about 8.2 per cent from the previous year.

Inala on the city’s south side is the animal attack capital of Brisbane, with nearly 50 complaints made to the council since March, 2016 about attacks on people.

Councillor Matthew Bourke, who heads the lifestyle and community services committee, said a special set of conditions were imposed on dogs involved in attacks with animal management enquiries among the top complaints made to the council.

“Enquiries are prioritised based on their nature, with reports about wandering dogs or animal attacks investigated immediately, due to the risk to public safety,” he said.

“Council’s top priority is ensuring the safety of residents and visitors, with every attack complaint investigated and 24-hour rapid response teams deployed.”

Inala topped the list of suburbs for animal attacks in the past 12 months, with Moorooka, Wynnum, Forest Lake and Acacia Ridge topping out the list.

Moorooka was the suburb with the second most animal attacks on people with 27 reports of incidents since March 2016 — followed by Wynnum (21), Forest Lake (19), Acacia Ridge (19) and Ellen Grove (18).

Sunnybank Hills (18), Banyo (17), Brighton (16), Aspley (15), Bracken Ridge (15), Salisbury (15), Tarragindi (15) and Keperra (15) rounded out the top ten list.

Dozens of complaints have also been made to the council over the past two years about “nuisance” animals or incidents of dogs “defecating in public”.

Cr Bourke said the council offered a range of support and information to help resident look after their furry friends.

“Cleaning up after pets and ensuring they don’t impact on the safety or health of other people is also an important part of pet ownerships,” he said.

“Barking dogs can also negatively impact the wellbeing of neighbouring residents, however this can often be resolved by having a friendly conversation with the owner as they may be unaware of the issue.”

Jessica Smith, 34, of Moorooka, walking her Boxer cross Border Collie called Sally with her 8 month-old twins Angus and Ellie, Koala Park, Moorooka. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mother Jessica Smith walks her dog Sally twice a day through Koala and Pegg’s Park at Moorooka with her 8-month-old twins in a pram.

She’s not surprised by the number of reported attacks in the suburb, given most dogs walk through the green space without a lead.

“I walk my dog twice a day, morning and afternoon, and there are always dogs off leads. We’ve had quite few issues ourselves, and I know others have as well.”

“I’ve just seen it too much.

“(It is frightening when dogs approach Sally) I’m trying to hold onto a pram and a 38kg dog and I’m trying to make sure my dogs okay, but my babies (too). It’s terrifying.”

Ms Smith suggested an enclosed area for dogs at the parks would reduce the number of incidents.

TOP ANIMAL ATTACK SUBURBS

March 2016 to March 2018

1. Inala (49)

2. Moorooka (27)

3. Wynnum (21)

4. Forest Lake (19)

5. Acacia Ridge (19)

5. Sunnybank Hills (18)

6. Ellen Grove (18)

7. Banyo (17)

8. Brighton (16)

9. Aspley (15)

10. Bracken Ridge (15)

11. Salisbury (15)

12. Keperra (15)

13. Tarragindi (15)