‘He is miserable’: Declared dog behind bars for three years

A family fighting to save their cattle dog from death row for three years have likened his treatment to ‘solitary confinement.’

A FAMILY fighting to save their pet cattle dog from death row say they have been allowed to visit him only twice in his three years of “solitary”.

Tamborine Village resident Paul Cutbush says he has spent $15,000 on the legal fees to save his daughter’s dog Bandit since it was seized as a dangerous dog in 2017.

Mr Cutbush says the dog has been kept in the dark without exercise.

The Scenic Rim Regional Council on Friday strongly rejected the allegation, saying: “Council can confirm that the dog is being treated in accordance with animal welfare laws.’’

It did not want to comment further.

Bandit has been at the centre of tribunal and court action since Scenic Rim Regional Council issued a dangerous dog destruction order in late 2017. Picture: Supplied

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Bandit was 18 months old when taken by the Scenic Rim Regional Council on a dangerous dog destruction order after he had allegedly bitten three people on separate occasions.

The alleged incidents included:

* Bandit biting a female jogger on her left lower leg, inflicting a 1-2cm wound.

* A person delivering a letter to a neighbour being bitten on the left lower leg, with the wound requiring dressing.

* A neighbour being bitten on the foot and knocked to the ground.

Since then, Bandit has been in the custody of animal control.

Bandit has been at the centre of tribunal and court action since Scenic Rim Regional Council issued a dangerous dog destructionorder in late 2017. Picture: Supplied

Red cattle dog Bandit from Mount Tamborine. Picture: Supplied

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Mr Cutbush, an IT consultant, pursued the matter in court, claiming the attacks were either staged, did not occur or were the fault of the victim.

In 2018, Mr Cutbush filed a $749,000 district court claim against the council. The matter is ongoing.

In a separate case, last December Mr Cutbush lost a QCAT appeal tribunal claim to get the council to call off destruction of the dog.

Bandit the dog has been impounded for the last three years.

BEST SUBURBS TO BAG A BARGAIN HOME ON GOLD COAST

His final chance to save Bandit’s life will be decided by the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) next month.

In the meantime, Mr Cutbush has been raising funds for legal costs and said he was concerned about the dog’s wellbeing.

The family receives updates from a vet every two months showing the dog is in good health, but they claim they have been allowed two visits.

Mr Cutbush said he sat outside the pound to hear Bandit bark and alleged the exercise yards were unused.

“Since he was taken from us he has only had 10 minutes exercise when we were allowed to visit him,” Mr Cutbush said.

“He doesn’t understand why he is behind bars.

“He is a young pup who has now spent most of his life alone. I keep requesting whether we can see him but nothing. We are definitely worried.”

Bandit has been held by the local council for the last 3 years. Picture: Supplied

Bandit has been at the centre of tribunal and court action since Scenic Rim Regional Council issued a dangerous dog destructionorder in late 2017. Picture: Supplied

M Cutbush said when his wife and daughter were permitted to see Bandit on their single visit last year, they were not allowed to pat him.

“We are concerned about his eyes because he has been in the dark the whole time,’’ he said.

“He has spent so long in a cell now it can’t be good. It is torture.

“We can’t even give him any toys or blankets. If this is the end of his life, he is miserable.

“Bandit is a purebred pampered fed cattle dog who effectively has spent more time in solitary confinement than serious human criminals in our prisons.

“Given Bandit has been held now for three years one month, it appears the council have employed him.”

A spokesman for Scenic Rim Regional Council said they would not make any further comments while the matter was before the courts.

TOP DOG BREEDS ON THE GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast boasts a high level of dog ownership with one dog for every 10 residents. Here are the most popular breeds.

LOVABLE staffies are the top dogs on the Gold Coast, making up the bulk of local registrations according to the latest council statistics.

Gold Coast City Council figures reveal staffies were the most common breed in the city up to October, followed by labrador retrievers, and border collies.

The Gold Coast boasts a high level of dog ownership with one dog for every ten residents.

Staffordshire terriers top the list of top dog breeds of the Gold Coast. Staffordshire Terrier Jagger is pictured with owner Kirra Smith. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Staffie owner Kirra Smith said she understood the attraction thanks to her personality-filled six year old pup Jagger.

“I didn’t really know much about them, I just heard they were cool dogs when I met him as a puppy,” Ms Smith said. “They are so loyal and love their humans so much, they are just a really sweet dog.”

“Jagger is cheeky, like a human baby, sooky, playful and wants a lot of attention.

“I like the noises they make, they are very talkative.”

Pet expert and Detective Kirilly Cull said she believed staffies made up a higher percentage of registrations on the Gold Coast because of their Houdini tendencies.

“Staffies are escape artists, so I would guess the numbers are a bit higher because they might have a bit more contact with council officers.

“More opportunities to ask their owners to get them registered.

“Other smaller breeds would fly under the radar.

“Whatever dogs people get they need to put in their research first and understand how much of a commitment they are making.”