Dog attacks causing fear in Scottville and Collinsville

Families are too scared to walk outside as roaming dogs attack pets in backyards and try to rip them out of their owners’ arms.

Natalie Lock’s two Maltese Shih Tzus, Sasha and Mishka, were victims of a dog attack in Scottville. Photo: Contributed

Frequent dog attacks have left a Whitsunday community living in fear, calling on council to take action.

When Natalie Lock decided to take her two Maltese Shih Tzus, Sasha and Mishka, on a walk in Scottville, she never imagined they would become victims.

The wildlife carer was staying at Wurra Yumba Kangaroo House and showing a friend around the area with her on-leash dogs when a huge dog suddenly started bounding towards them.

She said she and her friend picked up Sasha and Mishka, but this didn’t stop the large dog from grabbing the bottom of Mishka.

Mishka’s injuries were treated by a vet but he was still in significant pain. Photo: Contributed

The dog was shaking Mishka and managed to pull him out of his collar and onto the ground.

She said thankfully a man pulled up beside them and was able to get the dog off Mishka, but it then turned on Sasha.

“It would have killed Sasha because she’s just a little tiny princess,” she said.

Ms Lock and her friend grabbed the dogs and jumped in the ute to protect themselves.

“As soon as I got inside the house I had a major meltdown,” she said.

Natalie Lock’s clothes were left bloody after the attack. Photo: Contributed

She said she was traumatised and Mishka was still in a lot of pain.

“These dogs mean a lot to me,” she said emotionally.

“They’ve been my little mates.”

Collinsville resident Phylene Turner said the situation in Collinsville and Scottville was “out of control” with multiple incidents where dogs have entered her yard.

In one of the incidents, a dog got into her backyard and knocked over the cage of her parrot. She said the bird nearly lost its life and now only had one wing.

Phylene Turner has had multiple incidents where dogs have entered her yard and attacked her pets including her parrot who almost lost its life. Photo: Contributed

In another “terrifying” incident, her dog was attacked in their driveway.

She said another dog entered the yard, grabbed her dog by the neck and “shook her like a ragdoll”.

She said not only were her pets attacked in their own yard, but she had also been attacked while on a walk with her young child in a pram.

“It was the scariest thing,” she said.

“I now hardly walk at all with my kids.

“We shouldn’t have to live like this.

“I’m so scared for my children.”

Phylene Turner’s bird cage was overturned in one attack. Photo: Contributed

Ms Turner added her mother, who lives just down the street, can’t even walk to her home due to fear of vicious dogs roaming.

She said there were dogs roaming the streets each day, but multiple reports to council didn’t appear to do anything.

“We need them here five days a week and to take action and take the roaming dogs off our streets,” she said.

Whitsunday Regional Council’s Director of Community Services and Facilitation Julie Wright said Council does have a dedicated local laws officer based in Collinsville most days each week plus another local laws officer based in Bowen, only a 45-minute drive away, ensuring a prompt response when required.

“Council takes all reports of roaming or aggressive dogs seriously. We thoroughly investigate each complaint and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary,” she said.

“While we acknowledge that a small number of vocal individuals have raised concerns, these matters have been investigated in both Collinsville and Bowen previously and have not been substantiated.

“Regarding the recent incidents mentioned, these are currently under investigation and enforcement measures are being taken.

“Council remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents and encourages anyone with concerns to report them directly so they can be properly addressed.”