Do we really need new dangerous dog laws or a permit for dog owners based on basic knowledge of canine behaviour, their needs and suitable living requirements, fencing, etcetera? Yes, dogs are domesticated, but we must remember all dogs descend from top predators. Carnivorous predators hunt and kill, like lions, tigers, sharks, wolves and snakes.

It is only because humans provide food and shelter for dogs, and utilise their strong bond and pack instinct that they have become, on the surface, lovable pets. Aggression in dogs that comes from nowhere is rare, possibly a seizure disorder, brain tumour or ‘rage syndrome.’ Some dogs learn that aggression is an effective tool for stopping uncomfortable interaction or it can be related to predatory triggers like invasion of space and resources.
Why do we never get answers or hear about the conclusions or assumed reasons why some dogs attack, especially when someone is bitten or killed by their own dog? Investigations into dog attacks lead nowhere. And, it is occurring more frequently and is more violent in nature. Always the same repertoire, “this tragic incident is being investigated, Council has impounded or euthanised the dog/s involved.”
Pictured above, the door which a pet dog tried to destroy to get to the owners cowering inside a bedroom. On the 14th of September this year in Adelaide, a 6-year-old child hid in a bedroom after seeing his mother and uncle being mauled by the family dog.
The adults, bleeding from arm and leg wounds, managed to escape into another bedroom, close the door and call for help. The dog had been with the family for eight years.
The adult male dog owner said after the attack “I hate dogs,
I never want a dog again.”
On October 16th, a 66-year-old man died after being attacked by his dog in Tasmania. A woman who was with him was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her limbs. They had two other dogs at the home. The attacking dog was euthanised and the other two impounded by Council.
Thursday 2nd November, four people were taken to hospital after they were mauled by a dog at Morayfield north of Brisbane, they were apparently just out walking.
It is obvious that nearly all dog attacks are caused by human error, negligence and misconceptions. Any new laws need to focus more on people, dogs also deserve better, they are not disposable.
Pam Brandis
Dip. Canine Prac.