'Pitbull' that mauled mum to death had attacked before
It has been confirmed that the dog who mauled a Canberra mother to death was known to Domestic Animal Services after a previous incident in August.
Tania Klemke was brutally attacked by her dog Simba - believed to be a pit bull terrier- while trying to protect a male visitor on Wednesday at about 4am.
Her family has defended the dog, saying it would never have meant to hurt her or take her life.
But a previous incident has since been revealed.
“On one previous occasion [Domestic Animal Services] did attend that household at the request of ACT police," ACT City Services Minister, Meeghan Fitzharris, told ABC.
“I understand that someone may have been injured, and I also understand that the dog may have been injured in that attack as well ... clearly the dog was dangerous."
It was neighbours who raised the alarm when they heard the man screaming for help - and when the policed arrived, the dog turned on them too.
Dog that mauled owner to death 'would never mean to hurt her'
Mother mauled to death by pet dog was trying to protect friend
Police had entered the house and tried to provide first aid to the mother-of-three but the dog attacked officers, resulting in a number of shots being fired to kill it.
Ms Klemke had previously described Simba as her best friend, messages show.
The man who was also attacked at the home is recovering in hospital and receiving counselling after receiving a minor bite on the inside of his leg.
No police were injured.
Ms Klemke's devastated son Cody Baker told Seven News that she "had the biggest heart and always did anything that she possibly could for the people she loved and cared for."
