Gold Coast dog attack numbers spike significantly in 2018 from 2017 numbers

SHOCK new statistics have revealed just how bad the spate of dog attacks have become on the Gold Coast as animal owners say things must change. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES.

NEW statistics released by Gold Coast City Council show an average of almost two dog attacks are happening in the city each day.

The Council figures show there have been 156 dog attacks reported on the Gold Coast since the start of this year.

Kyla was badly injured Picture: The Point Vet, Paradise Point

Paradise Point resident Lynette Johnston’s pet dog Kyla had its leg nearly ripped off by an off-leash dog last month on Oxley Drive.

A number of dogs in the area have been subject of complaints to council and even a petition calling for action.

A spokesman for Gold Coast City Council said investigations were ongoing.

More recently, another pet dog was attacked by two staffy-type dogs at Shearwater Park, also at Paradise Point.

DECLARED DANGEROUS DOG SUBJECT TO 16 COMPLAINTS

Lynette Johnston. Photo by Richard Gosling

Maree Cavill wrote on social media on March 25 that her husband had been injured trying to fend the dogs off before the owners of the attacking dogs fled the scene.

The attacks reported so far this year continue a disturbing trend. Last year, 633 complaints were made to council regarding dog attacks or bites on people or animals, up more than 16 per cent from 2016 which recorded 543 incidents.

The figures have shocked Ms Johnston, who says she is still not over the dog attack that saw Kyla’s leg amputated.

Some of her horror injuries. Picture: The Point Vet, Paradise Point

“It’s frightening,” she said. “It shocks me to the core. I’d like to think (council) are shocked enough to come up with a solution.”

Ms Johnston said Kyla’s vet bill was $2500 and she was planning legal action to recover the cost from the owner of the dog alleged to have been responsible.

According to the statistics, staffy-type dogs top the list for most attacks by breed, with 77 complaints in 2016 and 197 last year.

Kyla was left in poor shape after the attack. Picture: The Point Vet, Paradise Point

Unknown breeds accounted for 34 incidents in 2016 and 90 in 2017.

Australian cattle dogs featured in both top 10s, as did Australian Kelpies and Bull Arabs.

Dog trainer Lia Coasta of Canine Journeys said while the statistics were appalling, particular dog breeds were not to blame.

“English and American Staffies are very popular breeds on the Gold Coast, so the number of individuals is quite high anyway,” she said.

A close-up of the damage done to the dog.

“I am not an advocate of Specific Breed Legislation but, in my opinion, none of the bull breeds are recommended for novice owners.”

She said the higher incidents of dog attacks and bites was concerning and “terribly” sad, as dogs often ended up paying with their lives thanks to owners’ mismanagement.

“It’s a complex issue, but the short answer is if there are any concerns about a dog’s behaviour, it’s the guardian’s full responsibility to prevent attacks and bites by appropriately managing ... and training ... and seeking the assistance of a qualified behaviour trainer and/or behavioural vet,” she said.

“Prevention is much better than cure, so appropriate education for dog owners is where it should all start.”

Kyla is now recovering.

Dog attacks from January 1, 2016 — December 31, 2016 — 543

Top ten dog breeds involved in attack for 2016 period

1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier — 45

2. Unknown — 36

3. American Staffordshire Bull Terrier — 32

4. German Shepherd — 14

5. Bull Mastiff — 13

6. Labrador Retriever — 11

7. Australian cattle dog — 10

8. Australian Kelpie — 9

9. Bull Arab — 9

10. Boxer — 8

Dog attacks from January 1, 2017 — December 31, 2017 — 633

Top ten dog breeds involved in attack for 2017 period.

1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier — 138

2. Unknown — 90

3. American Staffordshire Bull Terrier — 59

4. Australian cattle dog — 34

5. Rottweiler — 33

6. German Shepherd — 30

7. Australian Kelpie — 25

8. Siberian Husky — 19

9. Bull Arab — 18

10. Border Collie — 16