Gold Coast acting mayor Donna Gates shares shocking dog attack statistic
Gold Coast City Council has shared a dire warning for pet owners after data reveals there was almost two dog attacks a day last year.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Gold Coast city council is going to war on pet dog attacks - after almost two a day in 2023 - by warning owners and hosting free etiquette and behaviour classes.
Gold Coast acting mayor Donna Gates said she wants dog attacks on people and pets “wiped out” after 700 reported dog attacks last year, 55 more than in 2022.
Ms Gates said the increase was due to the Gold Coast’s growing population but added:
“Many incidents are happening outside the home and when the owner was present.
“This is a disappointing statistic and it’s one the city wants to see significantly reduced, or ideally wiped out completely.”
Gold Coaster Pauline Bachelard shared to Facebook on September 1 an attack on her black mini labradoodle Lulu at Palm Beach dog beach.
Ms Bachelard rushed Lulu to the vet and found she had suffered a shoulder injury.
“It’s sad but she’ll not be going to the dog beach anymore. I’ll be finding somewhere safer,” she said.
“I’m just happy it wasn’t worse. The owners still need to be accountable for their dog, put a lead and a muzzle on it.”
In May, Gold Coaster Mags Bowen was taking Baily for a walk when he was attacked by four Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Earlier in the year, a Biggera Waters family lost beloved five-year-old Cavoodle Lola, after a grey American pit bill attacked her on a walk.
In April, Queensland banned five “dangerous” dog breeds and toughened penalties for owners if their dog attacks. Any owner failing to control their dog which proceeds to attack face two years jail.
“Higher penalties, up to and including imprisonment, are needed to support community safety and emphasise the importance of keeping dogs under control to prevent attacks,” a Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill legislation’s explanatory note said.
The fine for an animal attack causing bodily harm to another person or animal on the Gold Coast is $806.
Ms Gates said free two-hour council Pet Education and Training Sessions would be on the Gold Coast from October 23 to November 17.
“Responsible pet ownership includes taking effective control of your dog, appropriate behaviours at home and in public, plus required registration and microchipping,” she said.
Session will cover etiquette, owners understanding their dog’s body language, improved socialisation and understanding what is acceptable when dogs are in public.
They will also teach owners how to minimise barking and to communicate better with their dogs to manage behaviour issues.
Pet expert Dr Rich Seymour will host six sessions at Helensvale, Broadbeach Waters and Robina.
The Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) is also holding free dog bite prevention workshops across Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Logan from October to February.
AWLQ CEO Katie Garrett said skills learnt in the workshops were necessary to create a safer environment for dogs and people.
“These workshops aim to enhance awareness regarding common dog behaviours, improve the safety of interactions between dogs and humans and educate parents and carers of young children.”
Workshops would focus on understanding dog behaviour, reading dog body language, how to respond and safety tips.
The first AWLQ workshop is on Thursday October 10 at Robina Community Centre, 6pm- 7.30pm.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN AN ATTACK
If you or your pet has been involved in an animal attack, you can call council on 07 5667 5990.
Council will require the date, time, location, a description of how the attack occurred, a description and location of the attacking animal.
More Coverage
Man charged with horror hammer attack on motorsport identity
A man has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged attack on racing car driver Chris Pappas at his Gold Coast home, leaving him in a serious condition.
What every Gold Coast suburb could get in QLD state election
The state election countdown is on and candidates are out and about sharing what they’ll do to win your vote. See the full list of what they’ve promised for your suburb.