General News
19 October, 2025
Traumatic dog attacks
TWO Cairns residents have been left traumatised and seriously injured in separate dog attacks just weeks apart, incidents they say highlight the need for stricter local laws and faster responses from authorities.
Hospital treatment
Their border collie suffered deep puncture wounds and narrowly survived surgery after one bite came close to a main artery. Mr Scott was also treated in the hospital for his injuries.
Ms Ebner-Adams said police were called but did not attend, while council staff initially failed to respond, despite being informed that the dogs’ owner was camping illegally nearby.
She said Douglas Shire Council had since confirmed the camper was known to them and that officers plan to return with a police escort to investigate further.
“This is the second time in six months that out-of-control dogs in Cairns have attacked us,” she said.
“We’ll be taking it to court and pushing for stricter laws – both our vet and doctors said Cairns has one of the worst dog attack records they’ve seen.
“Council just called to update and said the dogs are still in their care, and they are moving to declare the dogs be put down, and fines will also be issued.”
80-year-old attacked
In a separate case, 80-year-old Mount Sheridan resident Bee Jackley is still recovering after being mauled on Father’s Day while walking her toy poodle, Grace.
She said she was knocked to the ground by a blue heeler–mastiff cross and bitten on both arms by the dog and a large dachshund, suffering a broken hip and severe lacerations.
“I had one dog tearing at my hand and another biting my arm,” Mrs Jackley said.
“I ended up with two damaged arms and a broken hip. It’s been absolute hell getting over it.”
Mrs Jackley spent several days in hospital and required surgery.
She said she contacted the authorities multiple times and was frustrated by what she described as a lack of urgency.
“One of the dogs was eventually put down, but the other was just moved to Atherton,” she said.
“I don’t want revenge, I just don’t want it to happen to anyone else, especially children.”
Both victims say they hope their experiences will prompt faster response times when attacks occur.
A Queensland Police spokesman said “dog attacks are a matter for local councils. They would be best placed to answer your questions”.
Attacks taken seriously
A Cairns council spokeswoman said the council took dog attacks very seriously “and urges residents to report dog attacks immediately, even outside business hours”.
“Prompt reporting helps officers secure the dog and collect evidence for investigation. All reported attacks are investigated under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
“Council officers will speak with victims and witnesses, inspect the dog’s property and may seize the animal while the investigation is underway. Injuries are photographed and statements, medical or veterinary reports and witness accounts are gathered as part of the process.
“If required, matters may proceed to QCAT or court, where victims and witnesses could be asked to give evidence,” she said.
“When illegal camping involves dogs that pose a safety risk to people or pets, council officers work together across compliance and animal management teams to respond.
“Officers will attend the site to assess the situation, ensure public safety and identify the individuals and dogs involved.
Dogs may be seized
“If a dog is considered dangerous or uncontrolled, it may be seized under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
“Campers found breaching local laws may receive compliance notices or penalties and council may involve police or community support agencies where appropriate to resolve the situation safely.
“After a dog attack investigation, council may take a range of actions depending on the severity of the incident and evidence gathered.
“These can include seizure, fines, or the declaration of the animal as dangerous or menacing under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
“In serious cases, council may prosecute the owner in court, impose higher penalties, or seek an order for the dog to be destroyed to protect public safety.”
