'Huge pitbull' mauls small dog in horrific attack in Bunnings
Witnesses have described the horrific moment a “huge pitbull” attacked a small dog at a Bunnings Warehouse in Brisbane.
The incident occurred at the Bunnings Stafford location on Sunday, leaving staff and customers in shock over the violent attack between an allegedly unrestrained larger dog and a smaller dog.
“I just witnessed a huge pitbull grab hold of a smaller dog’s neck at Bunnings at Stafford, the little dog was just hanging there at the end and looked dead,” Peter Male wrote on Facebook.
‘I did see a lot of blood’
Mr Male told Yahoo News Australia the attack lasted for about 15 minutes and was so upsetting that he had to look away.
“It appeared the owner of the pitbull was punching his dog in the mouth telling it to let go continuously,” he said.
“I walked away pretty distressed, I didn't see how they got them separated or what either dog looked like after but I did see a lot of blood they (staff) were washing away on my way out.”
According to the witness, the owner of the larger dog “fled” after the attack when staff confronted him for not having his dog restrained.
The smaller dog was taken to an emergency vet but it’s believed it didn’t survive the attack.
Mr Male said Bunnings staff noted the number plate of the larger dog owner as he drove away.
Bunnings Area Manager Patrick Blair told Yahoo News Australia the incident had been “unfortunate”.
“Our team acted quickly to remind the owner of our store guidelines before they entered the store,” he said.
“We have been in touch with the other owner to offer support and our thoughts are with them.
“We thank our team for the calm and professional way that they handled the situation.”
He confirmed the police had been called to assist with the situation. Queensland Police told Yahoo News the incident was a council matter.
Bunnings guidelines allow dogs in store as long as they are friendly, restrained with either a lead or muzzle, and carried or secured in a vehicle or trolley.
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