2600+ complaints: Townsville’s worst suburbs for animal attacks revealed

Shocking new figures have revealed the worst suburbs in Townsville for dog and cat attacks, with an average of one incident every day. Find out where your pet is most at risk.

Shocking new figures have revealed the worst suburbs in Townsville for dog and cat attacks, with an average of one incident every day.

More than 360 animal attacks have already been reported to Townsville City Council this year, with southern suburbs topping the list for aggressive behaviour.

The top 10 suburbs with the most dog and cat attacks were Kirwan (34), Kelso (23), Condon (20), Garbutt (17), Cranbrook (16), Mount Louisa (15), Rasmussen (14), Wulguru (13), Railway Estate (13) and Heatley (12).

Over the last five years, council has received almost 2600 complaints of animal attacks, with Kelso (505) and Kirwan (454) still reporting the highest number of complaints since 2018.

The next highest-ranking suburbs are Rassmussen (204), Condon (189), Magnetic Island (188), Cranbrook (186), Mount Lousia (172), Wulguru (169), Deeragun (144) and Bushland Beach (139).

It comes following a horrific incident where a dog attacked a dachshund and his owners in Douglas recently and refused to let go until the beloved pet stopped moving.

During another incident in July, a Townsville pensioner had to be taken to hospital after a pair of dogs set upon him and his dog while they were on a walk in Aitkenvale.

A Townsville City Council spokeswoman said where there was a high risk to public safety, council officers will “respond to a dog attack immediately”.

“Council’s response will include gathering evidence, including photographs, witness statements and medical information on injuries,” she said.

“Where there is sufficient evidence council will take appropriate enforcement.”

Figures also reveal which Townsville suburbs where council has received the most reports for aggressive animals so far this year, with Kirwan (68) and Kelso (63) again topping the list.

The other high ranking suburbs are Healtey (29), Condon (28), Deeragun (28), Wulguru (24), Mount Louisa (24), Cranbrook (23), Oonoonba (22) and Currajong (22).

Over the last five years, more than 700 aggressive animal reports have been made in Kelso and 564 have been made in Kirwan.

Dog attacks should be immediately reported to council by phoning 13 48 10.

Originally published as 2600+ complaints: Townsville’s worst suburbs for animal attacks revealed