Published: 7:05 PM EST, February 8, 2023 | Updated: 7:19 PM EST, February 8, 2023
An outraged local mayor has urged pet owners in his city to be more responsible, as residents fear going outside due to roaming packs of aggressive dogs.
This year, Yarrabah, a community of 2,500 people in far north Queensland, has seen 19 dog bites — an average of about one attack every two days.
The attacks are so violent that emergency services have been forced to transport a number of people to the hospital.
In the latest attack earlier this week, a 22-year-old woman was flown to Cairns Hospital for treatment after her death left mauled by three dogs and badly injured.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital Health Service said 53 people with dog bite injuries presented to Yarrabah’s emergency department in 2022, which was 10 fewer than the 63 locals attacked in 2021.
Based on figures for the first five weeks of 2023, the number of reported dog bites this year could surpass 200.
A young woman was so badly injured in an attack by three dogs in Yarrabah (pictured) that she had to be flown to hospital
In the far north Queensland town of Yarrabah, an ownerless dog lies nearby on the street
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Mayor Ross Andrews said the region was affected Animal Welfare Team and Queensland Police Officers confiscated the dogs to confiscate them.
Mr Andrews condemned people who allowed aggressive dogs to roam the city and said locals shouldn’t have to afraid to go for a walk.
The county has an agreement with Cairns Regional Council (CRC) to confiscate dangerous dogs if they need to be removed from the community.
Dog bites in Australia
The Australian Companion Animal Council estimates that more than 100,000 people are bitten by dogs in Australia each year.
Up to 14,000 victims need medical attention because of injuries, around 10 percent of them need to be hospitalized.
Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
“Dogs have been confiscated from the Yarrabah Dog Pound for a 14-day period but they are actually being held at the Cairns Council Pound,” he told the Cairns Post.
He said Yarrabah locals would sometimes break into the local animal shelter to try to get their aggressive dogs back.
Mr Andrews said he was “very concerned” that many dog owners are not taking full responsibility for their animals.
He said a large number of dogs – some of which are very aggressive – continue to roam freely in the area and in the city Clinics regularly treat patients for animal bites.
The mayor said being able to walk in peace without fear of being bitten by dogs is important for the health of the population.
“In a community where diabetes is an issue, the ability to exercise regularly and safely is essential in the management of diabetes.
“Letting dogs roam free has a direct impact, not only on the social and emotional health, but also on the physical health of our community,” he said.
The Australian Companion Animal Council estimates that more than 100,000 people are bitten by dogs in Australia each year. Shown is a dog on grass
