Townsville pensioner in hospital after Aitkenvale dog attack

A Townsville pensioner walking his dog feared for both their lives when a pair of dogs set upon them. Council has launched an investigation into the attack. WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS

WARNING, GRAPHIC CONTENT.

A TOWNSVILLE pensioner walking his dog feared for both their lives when a pair of dogs set upon them in a violent attack.

The man was walking along Elizabeth St, in Aitkenvale, on Saturday morning when he was savagely attacked.

Speaking from the hospital on Monday morning, David told the Bulletin he was expecting to go into surgery to repair injuries to his arm on Monday.

The Aitkenvale resident is shaken after the attack and has raised concerns about dog safety in Townsville as he waits to find out what will happen to the animals involved.

“What would have happened if it was a child, what if they had a little dog with them,” he said.

“I didn’t see or hear them or nothing. They snuck up each side of me.

“I am lying here at night, trying to get to sleep and all I can think about is a dog attacking me.”

Last year the Townsville City Council put dog owners on notice after a spate of attacks in January and February.

David said one of the dogs lunged towards him and “locked on” to his arm and pulled him to the ground.

“It was that quick,” he said.

While struggling with the animal he screamed out and a young woman rushed to help.

But the entire time he was focused on protecting his dog.

“My first instinct was to pick up my little dog to protect him,” he said.

“My main concern was to get my little mate home.

“He would do anything to protect me, so I was there to protect him.”

Graphic pictures of David’s injuries show a large patch of skin on his arm ripped away and puncture injuries to his forearm and hand.

The pensioner issued a warning to the community.

“When you are walking your own dog, just be aware,” he said.

“Try not to walk alone.

“Keep your dogs in your yard.”

Townsville City Council confirmed it was investigating the attack and said possible enforcement action could follow.

“Council was made aware of a dog attack at Aitkenvale on Saturday afternoon,” a spokeswoman said.

“Local law officers immediately attended the address and ensured there was no further public safety risk.”

The spokeswoman urged pet owners to keep their animals secure.

“Every pet owner is responsible for their pet and must make sure their pet remains on their property and is kept on a leash when in public to minimise risk to the community,” she said.

“Owners who do not keep their dogs under control may be penalised if they do not meet these obligations.”

Originally published as Townsville pensioner in hospital after Aitkenvale dog attack