A cat killed by a dog on the Sunshine Coast has sparked a council probe into the liability of the owners of pets involved in attacks.
The investigation will determine if either owner is at fault and if they will be fined.
Failing to properly contain and control your pet can result in an on-the-spot fine of $287.
Saffie the cat was attacked in Eumundi in the unfenced front garden of a neighbour's house, where the dog lived, on Sunday afternoon.
Saffie's owner, Tealer Stretton, said her family was coming to terms with the incident.
"My mum barely can sleep because she's so traumatised. My brother is so upset — I've never seen them like that before," she said.
"We shouldn't have let our cat free-roam, but we felt the need that the cat should be allowed out for fresh air and we shouldn't keep them inside 24/7.
"We would only let them out throughout the day.
"As soon as it comes to night, we would lock them inside because we just didn't want them outside roaming around at night and everything, causing drama."
What's the law?
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said an investigation was underway to determine if either owner would be fined for not restraining their animal.
"All pets are required by law to be contained to their property at all times unless they are under the supervision and control of their owner," a spokesperson said.
"Owners may also be subject to other penalties and regulations if their pet is involved in an attack or unable to be returned home."
The council maintains a list of dogs it deems dangerous by law but would not confirm whether the dog in question would be added.
Dogs on the potentially dangerous list included those that had seriously attacked a person or animal, acted in a way that caused fear, or were of a restricted breed.
Costs 'mount up'
Solicitor Rebecca Hatcher-Anderson said once dogs were classified as dangerous under the council's local law, owners were liable for similar charges to those that would apply if "their vehicle, tractor or horse" had caused injury.
"If what you're in control of is classified as a dangerous thing, there are those criminal proceedings that police may pursue," she said.
Ms Hatcher-Anderson said criminal proceedings were rare for dog attacks compared to civil litigation cases in which owners were made to pay thousands of dollars when their pet attacked a human.
She said one dog owner had to pay $300,000 when their cattle dog nipped a removalist at their home.
"There was loss of wages, loss of superannuation, a lump sum payment done, medical expenses were awarded, so it does mount up, and then legal costs come into play on top of that," Ms Hatcher-Anderson said.
She said facing court for animals being injured or killed was unusual but could happen.
"They would have a legitimate claim to put forward for the recovery of any vet bills, cremation costs, and those types of things," Ms Hatcher-Anderson said.
Ongoing monitoring
Council spokesperson Shanagh Jacobs said council officers monitored how dogs deemed dangerous were housed to keep animals and people safe.
"The point of the regulations is to make sure that people have got a chance to keep their pet, even if we've identified it as a risk," she said.
"Generally a 'menacing' dog is one that's been involved in minor incidents and maybe hasn't caused injury to another animal or a person, but they're showing signs that they need to be managed more strictly.
"A 'dangerous' dog is one which has generally been involved in an attack that has been more serious."
In the 2019/20 financial year, 399 dog attacks were reported in the Sunshine Coast Council region — 274 on other animals and 125 on people.
"To put a dog down is a really big decision and it's one that council take really seriously," Ms Jacobs said.
"Putting a dog down is more about it can't be managed at all."
