Probe into ‘disturbing’ dog reports at Arundel Hills Country Club following closure

An investigation has been launched into ‘incredibly disturbing’ reports involving dogs and kangaroos at an embattled Gold Coast country club. READ THE DETAILS

An investigation has been launched into a “disturbing” report of a owner urging their dog to chase and attack kangaroos at an abandoned Gold Coast country club.

Cr Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden said Gold Coast City Council was investigating a report that the shocking incident happened at the besieged Arundel Hills Country Club.

The club went into administration in May, just weeks after the Bulletin reported it had fallen into a state of disrepair and was overrun with aggressive kangaroos.

In April, a woman suffered cuts to her face after she was viciously attacked by a kangaroo at the golf course.

A council spokeswoman said the “allegation of the dog chasing wildlife” on golf club grounds was the subject of a current investigation.

She said a second report of a “dangerous dog” wandering the grounds had been dealt with by its animal management team.

A woman golfer was viciously attacked by a kangaroo at Arundel Hills Country Club. Picture: Adam Head

RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said reports of any pets being encouraged to attack wildlife were “incredibly disturbing”.

“This is an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act and those involved can be prosecuted for animal cruelty,” Ms Lagoon said.

A Biosecurity Queensland spokesman said it was aware of the alleged animal cruelty report at the golf course, but had not received any complaints.

He said anyone found guilty of such acts could be fined up to $43,125 or face one year’s imprisonment.

The entrance to Arundel Hills Country Club. Picture: Adam Head

Arundel resident Andrew Bode, whose home backs onto the golf course, said he had not witnessed anything untoward, but was concerned about the report.

“The environment is important to me. If I did see dogs like that I would immediately get onto the council to get them removed,” Mr Bode said.

Fellow resident John O’Mara said the kangaroos were not aggressive and “just go on about their business”.

The future of the country club has been a point of contention among residents and the wider community since administrators were appointed.

Last month, the Bulletin reported Melbourne barrister Andrew Barbayannis and property broker Dale Carroll had entered sale negotiations for Arundel Hills.

Mr Carroll said the matter was “sensitive”, but that golfers would ultimately be happy with their plans. He could not provide further comment.

Andrew Bode has Arundel Hills Country Club as his backyard and is concerned about what the future holds for the site. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Mr Bode said the area should be retained as a golf course.

“If it fails as a golf course, the council could keep it as an open space, public park or recreation area.”

Mr O’Mara said the club was a “gold mine” for any potential buyers.

“Nobody wants to see this turn into residential. The residents just want it to go back to its former glory,” he said.

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden said he had spoken with hundreds of residents since the club went into administration.

“They’ve all made it very clear that they want to see the area retained to its current sport and recreation zoning,” he said.

The next creditors meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 28.

Anyone with an animal cruelty complaint should phone the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Follow @Melwhiting

Originally published as Probe into ‘disturbing’ dog reports at Arundel Hills Country Club following closure