Worongary woman fights off 65kg ‘lion hunting dog’ during savage attack on pet

A WORONGARY woman fears for her life after being attacked by a 65kg dog at a horse property. While she made it out unscathed, her beagle almost lost a leg.

Lauren Burton and her beagle Belle were attacked by a large dog on the Gold Coast. Picture Mike Batterham

A GOLD Coast woman says a dog who ripped her own pooch from her arms and tore its leg has been allowed to roam free by authorities.

Lauren Burton said a 65kg Anatolian shepherd knocked her to the ground and attacked her beagle Belle at a Carrara property where she keeps her horse.

“I was screaming for help,” she said.

Lauren Burton of Worongary with her beagle Belle who was seriously injured by a large hunting dog in an incident at Carrara. Picture Mike Batterham

“I opened up my car boot and managed to pick up my dog and throw her in to protect her.

“The owner who breeds these dogs stood by and attempted to use a shock collar, but it didn’t help.

“Those dogs are used in South Africa as lion hunting dogs so you can imagine how big and powerful they are.”

Ms Burton said she took her dog straight to the vet where she spent over $900 on surgery.

“The muscle had been ripped from the bone of Belle’s leg,” she said.

“I am completely heartbroken.”

Beagle Belle’s surgery cost $900

After reporting it to council, Ms Burton said the dog still had not been declared dangerous.

“They told me the dog had to attack someone else before they would do something,” she said.

The attack has left the 26-year-old suffering from nightmares.

“The attack caused me severe distress,” she said.

“The property doesn’t have dog-proof fencing, anyone could get hurt. My dog has taken weeks to recover from it physically.”

Lauren Burton now wants the attack dog listed as dangerous. Picture Mike Batterham

Council confirmed there was an attack but said a dog would only be muzzled when it is officially declared dangerous, or the safety of an animal management officer was at risk.

Ms Burton said she hoped no one else found themself in a similar situation.

“I feared for my life and when I saw the injuries on my beagle I have been too scared to go back.”