A Queensland council is examining after a man had his finger bitten off throughout a dog attack in Cairns.
Key points:
- One of Andrew Stevens’ dogs bit him while it was being assaulted
- The owner of the 2 let loose dogs that assaulted his family pets declined to provide their information
- Mr Stevens’ partner says the loss of his finger will affect his work
Andrew Stevens and his partner Helen Leicht were walking their 2 dogs on a lead along a roadway in Cairns recently when their animals were set upon by 2 let loose dogs.
Mr Stevens said the dogs, which were with their owner, locked on to his greyhound, Jay Jay, and declined to let go.
He said when he tried to pull Jay Jay far from the assaulting dogs by his collar, the greyhound incorrectly bit his best forefinger.
“I didn’t understand I’d lost it quickly, due to the fact that it didn’t hurt,” Mr Stevens said.
“It all occurred really rapidly and it was just when we were walking back to our car that I understood it was gone.
‘He will need to adjust’
Mr Stevens, who plays trombone in a brass band and owns a marine upholstery business, was taken by ambulance to the Cairns Hospital where he went through surgical treatment last Tuesday.
Ms Leicht said Mr Stevens had actually suffered an irreversible impairment that would impact his capability to work.
“Threading needles, sewing and stitching, it is going to be really hard without a forefinger,” Ms Leicht said.
“He will need to adjust, however he will get on with it.
Ms Leicht said the owner of the 2 dogs declined to provide the couple his information, however did apologise for the attack prior to leaving the scene.
She said his dogs appeared like bull mastiff or pitbull blended types.
Ms Leicht reported the event to cops and the Cairns Regional Council.
A council spokesperson said the owner had actually been recognized and an examination was underway.
Vet costs installing
Ms Leicht said their greyhound Jay Jay had actually suffered serious bite injuries to his back and the back of his neck.
“We have actually paid $3,000 in veterinarian costs,” Ms Leicht said.
“He’s lost a great deal of weight considering that the attack.
Last year there were more than 800 dog-related events reported to the Cairns Regional Council, consisting of individuals and animals being bitten and “hurried at” by dogs.
The ABC has actually tried to get in touch with the owner of the 2 dogs.
