South Wentworthville, NSW: Woman hospitalised after double dog attack

"A woman is in hospital after being attacked by at least two dogs while on a walk in Sydney's west"

A 30 year old woman was attacked by two dogs, believed to be Rottweilers in South Wentworthville today.

The attack occurred outside the house where the dogs were kept.

The woman, believed to be local, suffered injuries to her shoulder and leg and was admitted to Westmead Hospital.

The dogs are presently being held in a nearby yard.

Prepared using report "Mauled by dogs on her morning walk", Sydney Morning Herald 15/10/08, http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/mauled-by-dogs-on-her-morning-walk/2008/10/15/1223750077784.html, accessed 15/10/08.

Eden, NSW: Goats killed by dog attack

"One [goat] had been killed by the dog and the other had to be euthanased"

A Staffordshire terrier has attacked two goats on a neighbouring property near Eden.

One of the goats was killed by the dog whilst the second was later euthanased. The owner was issued with a $550 fine and the dog was surrendered and later destroyed.

Bega Valley Shire Council ranger John Flanagan said "Dog owners who live in urban or rural areas have a particular responsibility to ensure that their dogs do not leave their own property."

Prepared using report "Goats killed by dogs", Bega District News 10/08, http://bega.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/tip-plans-for-comment/1332666.aspx, accessed 15/10/08.

Mt Gambier, SA: Dog attacks double over past year

"A third of these attacks involved dog attacks on people, while the rest were dog-on-dog attacks"

Mt Gambier recorded 6 dog attacks between 2007 - 2008, compared with just 3 during the 12 months prior.

Greg Muller of Mt Gambier City Council noted that 4,617 dogs were registered in Mt Gambier, making the total number of attacks low, but still concerning.

Mr Muller stated that while not all dog attacks are reported to council, more people are becoming aware of their right to report dog attacks.

Prepared using report "Mount Gambier dog attacks double", The Border Watch 13/10/08, http://www.borderwatch.com.au/archives/1506, accessed 15/10/08.

Leichhardt, Qld: Dog attacks mother at bus stop

"The dog grabbed her trousers and then bit her on the back"

A Queensland mother was attacked at a bus stop after dropping her five year old daughter off at school.

Rosemarie Jasperson had just placed her bag on the bus stop seat when the dog ran up and started barking at her. With Ms Jasperson screaming, the dog then grabbed her trousers and then bit her on the back.

Ms Jasperson says her life was saved from the "savage attack" by two passing motorists who stopped to help, and a friend who helped her onto the bus.

Although her flesh was not torn, Ms Jasperson was bruised and suffered swelling.

Council reported that the attack was being investigated. It was also believed the dog had been put down.

Prepared using report "Dog attack terrifies bus traveller", Queensland Times 16/9/08, http://www.qt.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3784833, accessed 10/10/08. Photo from the source article where it is uncredited.

Alice Springs, NT: Council passes tough dog laws

"... they have a responsibility to keep their pets ... at home and under control."

Alice Springs council has upheld tough new laws regarding dog ownership. The council was asked to approve lower penalties than originally proposed in draft animal by-laws. Instead the aldermen approved the by-laws with tougher penalties.

Rural property owner Rod Kramer has lost half his calves to dog attacks in recent years and said "hopefully it will send a clear message to dog owners that they have a responsibility to keep their pets, no matter how well behaved they think they are, to keep them at home and under control."

Mr Kramer also noted other landholders who have lost stock, including race horses.

Prepared using report "A rural property owner in Alice Springs says he is pleased town council aldermen have decided to uphold tough new penalties for dog attacks.", ABC Alice Springs 16/9/08, http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/16/2365587.htm?site=alicesprings, accessed 10/10/08.

Nambour, Qld: Police Officer attacked by 65kg dog

"[The dog] left him with a bite injury so deep it exposed a bone in his forearm"

A 65 kilogram boxer mastiff cross attacked a police officer as he stepped from his car this week.

The officer was visiting a property to check on the welfare of the resident when the incident occurred. It is believed the owner had let the dog off its chain so it could go to the toilet. The dog ran down the side of the house and through the front gate in order to attack the police officer who was stepping out of his car.

A witness claimed the officer was lucky to be alive, saying that if the [dog's] family hadn't been there, it would have "ripped the officer to shreds."

The officer was taken to hospital with "extensive injuries" to his left arm.

The dog was surrendered to council and then put down.

Prepared using report "Dog put down after attack on police officer", Sunshine Coast Daily 7/10/08, http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/oct/07/dog-put-down-after-attack-police-officer/, accessed 9/10/08.

Albany, WA: Alpacas and sheep killed by dogs

"It was so savage and they were still alive ... one had her face ripped out"

Five alpacas were killed at Youngs Sidings last month, at a cost of $60,000.

The deaths have been blamed on uncontrolled domestic dogs and follow several similar attacks. Several months ago sheep were killed at Lower King and last week two llamas were chased off their property, with one still missing.

The llamas' owner, Mr Traill, says the attacks are due to domestic dogs being off-leash.

Lorraine Naylor, the owner of the five alpacas that had to be put down last month following the attack described the "carnage": "It was so savage and they were still alive. One had her face ripped out, and skin in sections ripped from her back. A four week old had her intestines ripped out."

Another expensive animal on agistment had severe facial and leg injuries and was also put down. The estate's alpacas have won international and national awards.

Prepared using report "More dog attacks on farms", Albany and Great Southern Weekender 9/10/08, http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/more-dog-attacks-on-farms/1329406.aspx, accessed 9/10/08.

Ulverstone, Tas: 6yo girl mauled by bull mastiff

"I could see blood immediately and even parts of her skull. It was just mauling her."

Six year old Aimee Grinsted was mauled by an American bull mastiff in Ulverstone, Tasmania last Wednesday.

The girl and her mother were visiting the owner of the dog. Aimee was patting the dog when it began to growl, then put its paws on her shoulders and started mauling at her head.

Aimee dropped to the floor, covering her head but the dog continued the attack.

Aimee's mother Lisa, immediately attempted to pull the dog away but the dog refused to let go.

It was some 15 seconds before Ms Grinsted was able to free her daughter.

Aimee suffered serious head injuries and was underwent an operation. Doctors remarked that had the attack been at Aimee's throat she would almost certainly have been killed.

Ms Grinsted remarked that her daughter did not provoke the attack but she suspects that the scent of a puppy which Aimee had earlier handled might have contributed.

Police have charged the owner with a dog-related offense. Ms Grinsted is calling for the destruction of the dog for the safety of other children.

Prepared using report "Head surgery, hospital stay after DOG MAULS 6YO GIRL", The Advocate 1/10/08, http://nwtasmania.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/head-surgery-hospital-stay-after-attack-dog-mauls-6yo-girl/1322272.aspx, accessed 2/10/08. Photo of Aimee Grinsted showing the injuries on her head after being attacked by a dog at Ulverstone from the source article where it is credited to Jason Hollister.