Couple and their pets attacked by dogs at Barron Gorge, man loses part of finger, pet savaged
A Cairns man out with his partner and their two dogs at Barron Gorge lost part of his finger when a pair of unleashed dogs attacked them. Warning: Graphic content
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A Holloway’s Beach man out with his partner and their two dogs at Barron Gorge lost part of his finger when a pair of unleashed dogs attacked them.
Andrew Stevens, 66, his partner Helen Leicht, 59, had their dogs Marley and Jay Jay on a lead when two other dogs attacked crossed the road and began to maul them about 10am on April 10.
He said his dog Jay Jay was being severely attacked, he put his hand on Jay Jay, and the dog confusedly bit his finger.
He said he didn’t realise part of his finger had been bitten off until much later.
Mr Stevens was taken by ambulance to Cairns Hospital and underwent surgery on his hand – but the severed part of his finger could not be found, so could not be reattached.
Ms Leicht asked the owner of the violent dogs for his details, but the man allegedly refused, and she filmed him moving away, trying to avoid his dogs being on the video, as she asked for his name.
“It was terrifying,” Ms Leicht said.
“I was holding Marley, our little blue staffy, but the dogs also attacked, Jay Jay, our greyhound and bit her badly.
“It was horrible, it was the most terrifying time, a terrifying attack,” she said.
“We couldn’t get mobile coverage so I couldn’t call for an ambulance.
“I rang the police and they told me they can’t do anything as it’s a council matter.”
Ms Leicht said council had been “fantastic”.
She said Jay Jay had spent the night at Marlin Coast Veterinary Hospital.
“These dogs need to be surrendered – what if the dogs had attacked a child? It could been horrific,” Ms Leicht said.
“I hope this educates people with their dogs off lead, this could happen to someone else.”
A Cairns Regional Council spokesman said council was treating the incident as serious and was investigating.
“Council has a zero-tolerance policy in regards to serious incidents, including bail ups and attacks,” he said.
“Dog owners reminded that they are responsible for their pets’ behaviour, and that dogs needs to be under effective control, which means always walking them on a lead- unless in a designated off-leash area.”
He said anyone who was the subject of or witness to a dog attack could call council on 1300 692 247.
“The Animal Management Team, which is on call around the clock, will respond quickly to the incident,” he said.
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Originally published as Couple and their pets attacked by dogs at Barron Gorge, man loses part of finger, pet savaged
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