A woman has lost an arm in a dog attack in Townsville, north Queensland.
Queensland Police said she was mauled by her own dog inside her Lonerganne Street home in Garbutt after 7am on Friday.
Police were first on scene and had to use a tourniquet on the 34-year-old woman’s upper arm to stop extensive blood loss.
She was rushed to Townsville University Hospital in a critical condition but was in a serious but stable condition at 11am.
The dog, which was shot dead by police, is understood to have attacked the woman near the front door of the property.
Officers described it as a large breed, possibly a pit bull.
A woman has been rushed to hospital after she was mauled by a dog in Garbutt. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)
Neighbours say dog was aggressive
Neighbour Rob Moore heard screams coming from the unit opposite him around the time of the attack.
“Five minutes later there were 10 police cars and three ambulances here,” Mr Moore said.
“I opened the back door to have a look outside and the police officer told me to stay inside.”
Corey Geesu says the same dog caused these scars on his arm two weeks ago. (ABC News: Georgia Loney)
Mr Moore said the dog was aggressive and had tried to attack his dog earlier this week.
Corey Geesu, another Lonnerganne Street resident, said the same dog attacked him two weeks ago.
“They should have taken the dog after it bit me,” Mr Geesu said.
First aid likely saved woman’s life
District Duty Officer and Senior Sergeant Scot Warrick said the woman was lucky to receive timely first aid.
“My young constables that attended there, they provided tactical first aid [and] a tourniquet,” he explained.
“I submit that it is quite reasonable that they have saved her life.
“Her blood loss was quite extensive, that tourniquet pretty much ceased that.”
Senior Sergeant Warrick said officers who euthanased the dog had “no other option” but to shoot the animal dead.
“The dog was very angry, very aggressive, and was trying to get outside,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Scot Warrick says the woman was suffering from extensive blood loss when officers arrived. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)
“Police were required to keep that animal inside. The safest way to do it was the euthanasing of that dog.”
Police said they consulted animal control officers from Townsville City Council before the dog was shot dead.
Another dog from inside the property, which was not displaying signs of aggression, is now with the RSCPA.
Senior Sergeant Warrick confirmed officers were called to the same address in relation to a dog some weeks ago.
“I don’t know the outcome, the RSPCA and council had been involved,” he said.
Townsville City Council said it would assist officers with their investigation into the dog attack on Friday.
Police do not expect the woman will be charged under recently strengthened legislation in Queensland due to the severity of her injuries.
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