Townsville, QLD – A woman in her 30s suffered severe injuries, including the severing of her arm, in a brutal attack by her own dog in a Queensland suburb. Quick action by responding police officers is credited with potentially saving her life.
The incident unfolded at approximately 7 a.m. at a residence in Garbutt, where officers discovered the woman bleeding heavily outside the home. The aggressive dog, believed to be a large Pitbull cross, was barricaded inside.
Upon arrival, police officers found the victim nursing a severed right forearm. They immediately administered first aid and applied a tourniquet to control the extensive blood loss before paramedics arrived on the scene. The detached arm was later located in an effort to facilitate possible reattachment.
“Applying the makeshift tourniquet might have saved her life,” remarked Senior Sergeant Scott Warrick. Following emergency treatment, the woman was transported to Townsville University Hospital, where she remains in serious but stable condition.
“Her blood loss was quite extensive, and that tourniquet has pretty much ceased that blood loss,” Warrick explained. He also noted that this type of injury was one of the most severe he has encountered in his 37-year career, stating, “This is the first time I’ve gone to such serious injury as a result of a dog attack. The injuries to this lady are just absolutely awful, and we wish her a speedy recovery.”
In an effort to manage the situation, police attempted to subdue the aggressive dog. “It was very angry, very aggressive and still trying to get outside,” Warrick described. Due to its continued aggression, the dog had to be euthanized at the scene, a decision Warrick expressed was heartbreaking. “I have dogs, and to see an outcome like this is absolutely heartbreaking. But we were left with no other choice; it was as humane as possible. What we did today is an absolute last resort.”
Warrick further revealed that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and had previously been involved in a less serious attack a few weeks prior. Under new legislation, dog owners whose pets cause serious injuries can face fines exceeding AU$100,000 or up to three years in prison. However, given the circumstances surrounding this incident, Warrick indicated that it is unlikely the woman would face any charges.
Additionally, it was reported that the woman owned a smaller dog, which is now under the care of the RSPCA.
This attack follows a separate incident in Melbourne, where a woman was critically injured by three dogs that were subsequently shot by police. Authorities confirmed she remains in critical condition. Greater Dandenong City Council Chief Executive Jacqui Weatherill expressed concern over the situation, noting that there had been multiple previous complaints regarding the dogs involved in the Melbourne attack.
“We have previously taken action in response to those concerns and visited the property,” Weatherill stated, emphasizing the ongoing concern for the welfare of residents.
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