George Karlsson lost his beloved four-legged best friend on his daily commute

A Queensland man has broken down in tears as he told how his Maltese terrier was attacked and killed by a bull-mastiff in a matter of moments after his regular walk turned to a nightmare.

George Karlsson was walking his beloved Maltese Terrier Olle at Clifton Beach when the dog was attacked by two bull mastiffs. Olle later succumbed to his injuries at the Marlin Coast Veterinary Hospital. Picture: Brendan Radke

A “large and aggressive dog” who attacked and killed an 87-year-old’s four-legged best friend while out on a walk has been labelled a regulated dangerous dog by the council.

Clifton Beach resident George Karlsson used to walk his companion, a Maltese terrier named Olle, three times a day along the Esplanade.

On his lunchtime walk on June 30, Olle was on the leash about 1.5 metres in front of his owner.

Mr Karlsson was sitting on the same bench he does every morning.

A man with a large bull-mastiff – which Mr Karlsson said was not on a leash – walked past and “in a flash,” the mastiff had Olle in his jaw.

“It happened like a bullet,” Mr Karlsson said.

“Before I knew it the bull-mastiff had Olle and was shaking him around.

“I did what I could to get the larger dog off poor Olle but by the time it let go, (Olle) was bleeding out heavily in front of me.”

Mr Karlsson said the owner of the larger dog then ran away.

George Karlsson was walking his beloved Maltese Terrier Olle at Clifton Beach when the dog was attacked by two bull mastiffs. Olle later succumbed to his injuries at the Marlin Coast Veterinary Hospital. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I was so upset when I saw my best friend covered in blood that I did everything I could to stop the bleeding,” Mr Karlsson said.

Workers from the construction site across the road then came to help where they could after hearing the carnage, and in as little time possible, Mr Karlsson was rushing to the vet.

“They put him straight in surgery and told me to come back at 6pm,” Mr Karlsson said.

Mr Karlsson broke into tears.

“Then, they told me my Olle didn’t make it, and he was lying there helpless.”

Mr Karlsson then paid $1350 for the surgery.

After multiple back and forward appointments, the vet issued a notice that Olle was the victim of a dog attack.

A letter written by the vet stated: “Olle was presented and collapsed after being attacked by a large dog and suffering extensive bite wounds after being bitten and shaken for an extensive period, approximately one minute”.

When Mr Karlsson lodged a council complaint, they asked the owner of the mastiff to pay half the vet bill.

“The council also said to me that they can’t make him pay, it’s completely up to him,” Mr Karlsson said.

“I don’t care at all about the money … I just miss Olle.”

Mr Karlsson’s neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said everyone in the street knew and cared a lot for him.

George Karlsson was walking his beloved Maltese Terrier Olle at Clifton Beach when the dog was attacked by two bull mastiffs. Olle later succumbed to his injuries at the Marlin Coast Veterinary Hospital. Picture: Brendan Radke

“He walks three times a day and would know everyone in the street,” the neighbour said.

“We were all aware of the incident and are checking on George daily.

“Everyone around the area would know how much this hurt him.”

Cairns Regional Council CEO Mica Martin said the council arrived at the scene shortly after the incident occurred and officers were able to identify the offending dog and its owner.

“The dog will be regulated and the council has issued an infringement for the dog not being under effective control, which was $287,” Mr Martin said.

“Regulated dangerous dogs have strict ownership requirements, including that they must wear a muzzle when in a public place (and be on lead), and wear an identifying collar.”

“Failure to adhere to regulated dog conditions comes with strict penalties.”

Ms Martin said it was a “serious incident” which has resulted in an unfortunate end.

“The loss of a beloved pet is never easy, and we convey our sympathies to the owner for the tragic loss of his dog, Olle,” Ms Martin said.

“Dog owners are responsible for their pets’ behaviour, and dogs need to be under effective control, which means always walking them on a lead (unless in a designated off-leash area).

“Anyone who is the subject or witness to a dog attack, should call Council immediately on 1300 692 247 and the Animal Management Team, which is on call around the clock, will respond quickly to the incident, as they did in this case.”

Originally published as George Karlsson lost his beloved four-legged best friend on his daily commute