Shane McCarthy’s dog Bear euthanized after attack in Caloundra West

A Sunshine Coast tradie is mourning the loss of his pet dog after it was put down by the council following an attack on one of his neighbours, sparking a 33k-strong petition.

Shane McCarthy and his dog Bear.

A German Shepherd who was the “best mate” of a Caloundra West tradie has been put down despite a viral online petition after it attacked a woman.

Shane McCarthy, 25, was not at his Caloundra West home on the morning of March 27, 2022 when his four-year-old dog Bear attacked one of his neighbours who suffered serious injuries.

Caloundra Magistrates Court heard the neighbour walked over to McCarthy’s house about 7.10am to talk about cars parked outside her home which were in the way of her hired gardening contractors.

The victim knocked on McCarthy’s screen door which was answered by McCarthy’s roommate.

The court was told Bear escaped through the opened door and attacked the woman who suffered “severe wounds” to her hand and upper arm and was taken to hospital.

Shane McCarthy and his dog Bear.

It was said the victim suffered puncture wounds and had ongoing emotional stress after the attack.

Sunshine Coast Council ordered for the dog to be euthanized on April 1, 2022, due to it already being declared a menacing dog in 2019.

The court heard Bear was not wearing a prescribed collar and McCarthy hadn’t told his neighbour he had a menacing dog.

An online petition followed the destruction order and garnered more than 33,000 signatures with its organiser saying Bear had been taken from their care after the attack.

Shane McCarthy. Picture: Facebook

It was reported on the petition that Bear was put down on June 2, 2022.

Lawyer Belinda Robinson said the 25-year-old plasterer’s dog was put down after the attack, with McCarthy suffering an extra punishment as he was close to Bear.

Ms Robinson said he had apologised to the victim and was subject to separate personal injury proceedings relating to compensation.

McCarthy pleaded guilty to failing to comply with permit conditions for a declared menacing dog and ensuring a dog does not attack or cause bodily harm.

He was fined $6000 with no conviction recorded.

Outside Caloundra Magistrates Court McCarthy declined to comment other than to say he was sad for the passing of his dog Bear.

Ms Robinson said it was sad to see the loss of McCarthy’s “best mate”.

Originally published as Shane McCarthy’s dog Bear euthanized after attack in Caloundra West