Revealed: Northern Rivers’ worst suburbs and towns for horror dog attacks

400+ dangerous dog reports: Escaping dogs and dogs off leash are contributing to a growing number of dog attacks across our region. Find out how your suburb or town ranks.

There is a growing number of dog attacks in our region. Picture: IStock

More than 400 dogs have attacked Northern Rivers residents and/or pets over the past year, with the increase leading many councils to urge caution.

In just the Tweed Shire alone, a total of 139 requests were reported to the council.

The increase had led the council’s Team Rangers leader, Nic Harrigan, to push owners to be more vigilant about their pets.

“A high number of dog attacks are taking place in the Tweed – with many of these involving dogs not being kept on a leash,” he said.

“In NSW, owners must ensure dogs are kept under control and on a lead in a public place, unless in a designated off-leash area.

“These responsibilities are enforced by Rangers and people face a $320 on-the-spot fine for failing to ensure their dog is on a lead.

“Owners must also make sure their dogs are secure at home and not able to escape. Dogs escaping from properties is the leading cause of dog attacks in the Tweed.

“Responsible dog ownership on the community’s part plays a vital role in managing these issues.

Mr Harrigan encouraged residents to check out a joint campaign with Ballina and Byron shire councils and City of Gold Coast called ‘Take the Lead’ reducing the number of dogs off-leash in public places.

“Council continues to be proactive in dog owner education and more targeted patrols of illegal activity,” he said.

It comes as more councils consider alternatives to protect residents and pets in the region.

There is a growing number of dog attacks in our region. Picture: IStock

CHECK OUT HOW YOUR SUBURB RANKS BELOW:

Please note: Byron Shire Council was contacted by Northern Star for data on dog attacks but did not reply before our deadline.

LISMORE

While unable to separate data into suburbs, a Lismore City Council spokesman said council had received 31 dog attack reports over the May 20-21 period.

TWEED SHIRE

Please note: Only four of these reports related to an alleged incident at a Tweed Coast beach.

The majority of these attacks reside in Banora Point, with Murwillumbah closely trailing behind.

Tweed Shire Council has also secured funding has been to build two fenced off-leash dog parks, in Banora Point and Bray Park, for the community alongside the 10 off-leash areas that are already available in parks and reserves in the Shire.

BALLINA SHIRE

Ballina Shire Council reported 168 attacks during the period of July 2019-April 2021, with the majority of those dog on animal attacks.

Most shockingly, 57 of those cases resulted in high-level injuries, injuries requiring veterinary or medical treatment or causing death on an animal.

The increase had even led Ballina Shire Council to follow specialist advice and provide adequate and additional dog off-leash exercise areas to encourage dog owners to “take their dogs away from their home environments and allow socialisation with other dogs and people in mutually neutral areas”.

RICHMOND VALLEY COUNCIL

In Richmond Valley Council, there were a total of 74 dog attacks over the past year, with the majority of these residing in Casino.