Nambucca Councillor warns of risks of off-roading after dog killed

A stroll turned to tragedy for one family after their beloved dog was killed in a hit and run by an off-road dirt bike rider. Now, an angry councillor has warned “it could have been a child”.

Much loved pet Joey was killed in Nambucca on Monday in a tragic hit and run by a dirt bike.

After a beloved family pet was killed in a hit and run by an off-road dirt bike rider, an angry local councillor has warned “it could have been a child”.

On Monday night a 22-year-old woman was walking the dogs on a designated pedestrian footpath when her 13-year-old Maltese-Border Collie-cross Joey was struck and killed by a dirt bike.

The woman and her family have now been left traumatised.

The family describe Joey, who was deaf, as having “such a beautiful old soul”.

Joey was killed on the pathway adjacent to Giinagay Way, often used by schoolchildren from the surrounding three schools.

Nambucca Councillor David Jones knew Joey as a “lovely little gentle dog” but warned of the potential for more incidents.

“Tragically little Joey got run over but it could have well been a child,” he said.

Mr Jones said the pathway was the source of several complaints to Nambucca Valley Council due to dirt bike and 4WD activity.

“There is a lot of illegal motorbikes and four wheel drives in the state forest across the road,” he said.

“It’s that culture of getting off road and a lot of people are worried about it and it’s dangerous.”

He described the path near Giinagay Way at Nambucca Heads as “well-known and well-used” by young students from three nearby schools.

Best mates Charlie and Joey before the hit and run which tragically cost Joey's life in Nambucca.

The community has since expressed a mix of sadness and frustration on social media.

Tracie Skinner wrote on Facebook: “Omg … my heart is broken for your daughter and family.”

Police are investigating the matter and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

No one has been charged at this stage.

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