‘Dangerous dogs’ could return to owner after Darling Heights attack

A woman said she was shocked to learn the Toowoomba Regional Council was planning to return two dogs to their owner a fortnight after they had savagely attacked her in the street.

Denise Topp was walking to a friend’s house in Darling Heights on October 11 when two dogs, described as “bull arab” in appearance, ran out of a property and started biting her.

“One was behind me and one was in front of me – I think to protect myself I went backwards and fell down,” Ms Topp said.

“I ended up against a tree and they were both at me.”

After a terrifying few minutes she was rescued by another resident and taken to hospital, where she underwent surgery on a “deep wound” on her left elbow.

Weeks later, she is only just regaining the use of her arm.

Denise Topp’s arm is still healing two weeks on from the incident.

“There are about 20 children living around here, it’s a beautiful, suburban street,” Ms Topp said.

“There is a primary school close by and there are children constantly walking down the street, through the laneway.

“If this had been a child, they would have been killed – these dogs are not just dangerous, they’re vicious.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Committee portfolio leader Tim McMahon said the dogs had been seized by the animal management team.

“Council’s Animal Management staff are investigating the incident and are in the process of declaring both dogs as regulated dangerous dogs,” he said.

Under the Queensland Animal Management Act 2008, regulated dangerous dogs can be returned to their owner as long as a number of conditions are met and a permit is granted.

“All restricted, declared dangerous and menacing dogs must be microchipped, wear an identification tag, be kept in an enclosure with a sign displayed, and be kept under effective control,” information on the Queensland Government website reads.

Ms Topp said she was “terrified” at the prospect.

“I just feel like I have no rights, and it appears council have said their hands are tied,” she said.

“The law needs to be changed at a state government level – it’s a public safety issue.

“It’s a lovely neighbourhood and everyone is angry that the dogs might come back, they’re fearful for their own families.”

Ms Topp said she had approached Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki’s team in the hopes the issue could be raised in parliament.