Coomera, Southport and Labrador among worst suburbs for dog attacks after death of Tang Tang

Vicious dog attacks are reported every day, with a beloved pooch mauled to death only days ago. Search the list to see where your dog is most at risk – and why.

NEW data has revealed the worst suburbs on the Gold Coast for dog attacks with an average of two incidents each day.

There were 547 dog attacks reported to the Gold Coast City Council from January 1 to October 11 this year compared to 557 in the same period last year.

The suburbs with the most attacks were Upper Coomera and Southport with 36 each, followed by 26 at Labrador, and 24 each at Nerang and Pimpama.

It comes after a dog owner called on the council to euthanise a large dog that savagely attacked her beloved pooch during a walk, causing it to bleed to death.

Arundel Springs woman Tina He said the attack happened on September 28 when her mum took their family pet named Tang Tang for a walk about 6am.

Ms He said she received a frantic call from her distressed mother about 6.30am to tell her Tang Tang was hurt.

Her mum said three unleashed dogs without owners had rushed up to Tang Tang, but one large black dog had bitten their 12-year-old Bichon Frise pooch.

The dog responsible for the attack is now required to wear a muzzle and a leash at all times in public.

A council spokeswoman said the most common types of incidents reported on the Gold Coast involved attacks between dogs.

“The city investigates all complaints about dog attacks, and the outcome depends on a variety of evidence available,” she said.

“This includes the seriousness of the attack, the circumstances, any previous history, whether the dog is registered and the ability of the owner to control the dog.

“Witness statements and vet medical reports are also taken into consideration.”

The council handed out 528 fines worth $137 each for out of control dogs in a public place between January 1 and October 13, 2021.

Councillor Hermann Vorster urged pet owners to follow the rules to keep the community safe.

“This year there have been 547 reports made about dog attacks on the Gold Coast,” Cr Vorster said.

“Some of these have been very sad and traumatic situations with people losing their beloved pets or ending up in hospital themselves with injuries.

“It’s so simple to avoid these terrible incidents by being responsible pet owners and following a few common rules.

“Register your dog, keep them on a leash in public, make sure they are secure at home and don’t take them to off-leash areas unless they are completely socialised.”

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