Qld boy rushed to hospital after dog attack

A young boy has been rushed to hospital after he was attacked by a dog in regional Queensland, suffering multiple wounds to his head.

A young boy has been rushed to hospital after he was attacked by a dog in regional Queensland. Picture: iStock

A young boy has been rushed to hospital after he was attacked by a dog in regional Queensland.

The state’s ambulance service says the child, who is around nine years old, was transported in a stable condition and was taken to Rockhampton Hospital with wounds to his head.

The incident occurred at about 12.30pm on Wednesday afternoon; however, the breed of the dog has yet to be identified.

A young boy has been taken to hospital after he was attacked by a dog in regional Queensland.

In Queensland, dog attacks must be reported to the local council – in this case Rockhampton Regional Council – as soon as possible. It will make a decision on the dog’s future.

Depending on the severity of the attack, the council may regulate the animal as dangerous, or menacing, with owners forced to comply with strict restrictions like signage on their property and investing in appropriate fencing.

However, as of yet, Rockhampton Regional Council told NCA NewsWire it had not received reports of the attack.

NCA NewsWire understands the council is unable to act or investigate the alleged biting until it is notified.

The latest dog attack comes as the Queensland government announces a review into its laws around dangerous dogs in the aftermath of six dog-bite hospitalisations in April.

Most recently, six-year-old girl Laquarna Chapman-Palmer required surgery after she was mauled by two bull Arab cross dogs in Woodridge on the state’s south coast.

A taskforce will work to review penalties and education initiatives for owners.

Laquarna Chapman Palmer required surgery after she was attacked by two dogs in Queensland. Picture: Supplied

Rural Communities Minister Mark Furner flagged a sliding scale of penalties could be introduced depending on the severity of the attack, including potential jail time for owners of dogs who kill or cause grievous bodily harm.

“The Palaszczuk government is committed to community safety, and we expect animal owners to ensure their pets don’t present a danger to the community,” Mr Furner said.

“These proposals changes promote responsible dog ownership, protect the community, and enforce appropriate penalties when community standards aren’t met.

“The next step is to undertake community consultation on the proposed changes.”