They say dogs are man’s best friend, but a bite can quickly turn that bond sour. Even the most loyal companion can cause serious harm in the wrong circumstances. In Queensland, dog attacks are more common than many people realise, with an average of 19 reported every day.
However, when the unthinkable happens, how often do we stop to consider who’s responsible? If someone’s pet causes serious injury, should the owner be held accountable?
If you or your pet has been injured, you need to understand your legal rights. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of reporting an attack, what responsibilities owners have, and how to claim compensation for your injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can be very dangerous. No one wants to visit the hospital’s emergency department for a tetanus shot, right? Well, after a canine bite, it’s sometimes unavoidable.
Dog bites can also cause lasting injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Physical Injuries: These include puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, and infections such as cellulitis or tetanus. Severe bites may even require surgery or leave you with permanent scarring.
- Psychological Injuries: Many victims experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a severe fear of dogs following an attack. These emotional impacts can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
- Injuries to Pets: Another concern is if your pet was attacked by another dog. They may suffer from torn ligaments, deep cuts, or other trauma requiring veterinary care. As you know veterinary bills can skyrocket quickly, which in turns causes the owner even more stress.
Therefore, if a dog has bitten you, you should seek immediate medical or veterinary attention as the situation might be more severe than you think. A medical professional can help prevent further complications arising.
In addition, they can provide documentation detailing the extent of injuries. These records can be invaluable in supporting any potential compensation claim.
Dog Attack Statistics in Queensland
Worringly, the number of reported incidents of dog attacks and resulting hospitalisations skyrocketed over the past decade. It raises the question, what’s behind this surge, and how much responsibility should dog owners take for keeping their pets in check?
It’s time to take a closer look at how we handle these dangerous situations.
When you look at the below statistics, one thing is obvious; something needs to change.
- Dog Bites vs Other Animal Bites: Dog bites account for 85–90% of all animal bite incidents in Australia, followed by cat bites (5-10%), human bites (2-3%), and rodent bites (2-3%).
- Hospitalisations: In Queensland, 9,500 people were hospitalised due to dog-related incidents in 2021-22.
- Daily Dog Attacks: At least 19 dog attacks are reported daily across Queensland. Regions such as Cairns, Mackay, and Moreton Bay have been identified as hotspots for such incidents.
- Complaints and Hospital Admissions: In 2022, there were approximately 8,500 complaints about negative dog behaviour or attacks in Queensland. From 2021 to 2022, public hospital emergency department admissions for dog-related incidents increased by 57%.
These statistics are shocking and highlight the growing need for awareness and stricter enforcement of dog management laws.
Dangerous Dog Breeds in Australia
As we know, any dog can bite but some breeds are considered more dangerous due to their strength or history of aggression. In Australia, restricted breeds of dogs include:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Fila Brasileiro
- Perro de Presa Canario
Queensland law imposes strict regulations on these breeds to minimise risks. However, it’s important to note that even non-restricted breeds can attack if provoked or poorly trained.
Dog Owner Responsibilities in Queensland
In Queensland, dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep others safe from their pets. That means taking reasonable steps to prevent their dog from causing harm. Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Confinement: Dogs must be securely contained within the owner’s property to prevent escapes.
- Control in Public: When in public places, dogs must be on a leash unless in designated off-leash areas. Owners must also ensure their dogs are under effective control at all times.
- Reporting Incidents: If a dog attacks someone or another animal, the owner is legally required to report the incident to the local council.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in fines, prosecution, or the dog being declared dangerous or euthanised. Owners of declared dangerous dogs face additional restrictions, such as mandatory muzzling in public and secure enclosures at home.
How to Report a Dog Attack in Queensland
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or your pet has been attacked, it’s important to report the incident promptly to your local council to prevent another person being injured. Here’s how to report a dog attack:
- Contact Your Local Council: Provide details about the incident, including the date, time, location, description of the dog and its owner (if known), and any evidence such as photos or medical reports.
- Investigation: The council will investigate the incident and may take actions such as issuing fines to the owner, declaring the dog dangerous, or seizing the animal if necessary.
- Follow-up: Be prepared to provide additional information if requested during the investigation process.
If you need the council's contacts, please see:
- Brisbane City Council: 07 3403 8888
- Gold Coast City Council: 07 5667 5990
- Logan City Council: 07 3412 3412
Reporting a dog attack isn’t just about what’s already happened, it helps hold negligent owners accountable and can prevent others from being harmed.
When Can You Claim Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury?
If you’ve been injured by a dog because its owner dropped the ball on controlling their pet, you could be entitled to compensation. Whether it’s through public liability injury claims or common law negligence claims, the law is on your side when an owner’s lack of responsibility leads to harm. It’s about holding them accountable for the actions of their furry friend!
Types of Damages You Can Claim:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital visits, surgeries, medication, physiotherapy, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damaged clothing or personal items during the attack.
When Is a Claim Possible?
You may have grounds for a claim in the following situations:
- The attack occurred in a public place where the owner failed to control their dog.
- The owner was aware of their dog's aggressive tendencies but did not take precautions.
- You were lawfully on private property when attacked (e.g., visiting someone’s home).
It’s recommended that you seek legal advice early in this process to understand your entitlements and ensure your claim is handled correctly.
What If Your Dog Was Attacked?
If your pet was injured by another dog, here’s what you can do:
- Seek Veterinary Care Immediately: Prioritise your pet’s health by getting them treated as soon as possible.
- Report the Incident: Notify your local council with evidence, such as photos of injuries and veterinary bills.
- Recovering Vet Costs:
- Try negotiating directly with the other dog's owner for reimbursement.
- If unsuccessful, you may be able to file a claim against their liability insurance (if applicable).
Keeping track of vet bills and any conversations with the dog’s owner can make a big difference. If you need to take legal action later on, you can bank these as evidence.
Tips for Preventing Dog Attacks
Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dog attacks. Here are some tips to staying safe:
For Individuals:
- Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs without permission from their owner.
- Teach children how to interact safely with dogs (e.g., no pulling tails or ears).
- Stay calm and avoid sudden movements if approached by an aggressive dog.
For Pet Owners:
- Socialise your dog from an early age to reduce fear-based aggression.
- Use leashes in public places and muzzles for dogs prone to aggression.
- Ensure fences and gates are secure at home.
Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in helping you avoid dangerous situations with dogs.
Don't Be Led Astray
Dog bite injuries can leave lasting impacts, not just physically, but emotionally and financially too. Understanding your rights under Queensland law helps you take the right steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of an attack or simply want to be prepared, knowing how to report an incident and seek support can make all the difference.
When it comes to safety, no one should be left to face it alone.
If you’ve been injured by a dog or need help recovering costs after an attack on your pet, seeking legal advice is essential. At Smith’s Lawyers, we offer free initial advice with no obligation under our "No Win, No Fee, No Catch" promise, meaning there are no upfront costs or risks involved.
Call us today on 1800 960 482 or request advice online for guidance tailored to your situation!
