‘Never been back’: Raby Bay Dog Beach named ‘worst ever’ by locals

It’s a popular off-leash dog park loved by locals however a number of recent attacks has left some owners too scared to return.

A busy dog beach in Raby Bay has been slammed as ‘dangerous’ by a collection of locals, with some saying they’ll never go back again because of other careless dog owners.

Raby Bay Foreshore Park has a designated off-leash dog area at the very end of the park. While the park is meant to be a safe place for all dogs to roam free, some dog owners say they have had traumatic experiences.

Erin, who asked not to have her surname published, told Redlands Community News the last time she was at the dog beach — in February this year — a staffordshire bull terrier attacked her german shepherd.

“A staffy came up to her (german shepherd Diesel) and they sniffed each other and the next minute the staffy grabbed the side of her neck,” she said.

The woman said she was fortunately nearby and managed to bring her dog Diesel back to safety.

“I was scared,” she added.

“I literally had the shakes. It scared my kids as well.

“To be honest, we haven’t been back since.”

Dog owner Erin, whose german shepherd Diesel was attacked by another dog at Raby Bay’s dog beach, says she had no plans to take her two dogs back. Picture: Supplied

While her dog escaped unharmed, others say they have not been so lucky.

One Raby Bay resident wrote in a public community Facebook page that she paid $2800 in vet bills after her dog was attacked.

“I had a horrible experience at the Raby Bay Dog Beach,” she revealed.

“A guy brought his dog along and sat on one of the park benches. His dog wore a collar that was attached to a heavy thick metal chain.”

She continued: “My dog (Josie), who loves other dogs, approached the dog and it started to bite her.

“She tried to get away from the dog, (but) while this happened the chain got caught around her stomach and leg. Tore all her skin off under her belly and down her leg.”

“The guy when I asked for his phone number would not supply it and told me to f*** off.

“I have never been back!”

A Redland City Council spokesperson said in the past year (January 2021 — December 2021) the council had received four complaints relating to incidents/attacks that occurred within the Raby Bay Dog Beach off-leash area.

“The number of reported incidents/attacks in the Raby Bay Dog Off Leash Area (DOLA), while unfortunate, is very, very low in the context of the number of registered dogs in Redland City Council (more than 27,000) and with 32 popular DOLA,” they said.

“Council is thankful to the Redlands Coast community and users of off leash areas who, in the vast majority of cases, do the right thing and ensure that their pets are managed responsibly.

“Dog owners using any dog off leash area must be responsible for their dogs and their behaviour. Consideration of the rules will make the experience enjoyable for all.

“Dog off leash area etiquette comes down to one basic rule – always be considerate of others.”

Online, other concerned residents posted that the dog beach was “too risky”.

“This is the reason why I never go to this off-leash beach,” one person wrote.

“I would rather take them to an on-leash beach.”

Another said: “I hate that beach, too many dogs off leash that can’t behave and owners are oblivious to it.”

A third resident said: “I am sick of the carelessness of some owners!”

However, not everyone agreed, with one woman saying she’d never had an issue.