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Dogs euthanised after attack

Yaja Nowakowski with her dog Molly at Swim Beach near Kununurra. On Sunday her other dog Bobbi was mauled there.

A Kununurra woman and her 18-month-old border collie were attacked by six dogs at Swim Beach near Kununurra on Sunday morning.

Yaja Nowakowski was walking her dogs Bobbi and Molly at the popular park at about 7.30am when she said six dogs, owned by a man who lived outside town, began attacking.

The owner of the six dogs voluntarily surrendered the animals to the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley ranger on Monday morning and was said to be devastated by the incident.

Ms Nowakowski said Molly, the smaller of her two dogs, escaped unharmed but Bobbi was mauled viciously and required multiple surgeries for more than a dozen puncture wounds.

"Looking at it I was positive that it wasn't going to end until Bobbi was dead," she said.

"She was in agony, the wounds were all over the body on both sides, the vet said because there was a lot of pulling and tugging there was a lot of problems under the skin."

"Fortunately the lungs were fine and none of the bones were affected but muscle and tissues were definitely torn."

Ms Nowakowski said the veterinarian bill had already passed $4000 and was likely to rise with further surgeries scheduled.

She said the owner of the six dogs that carried out the attack had tried his best to control his pets during the incident but there were just too many of them and they were too big and strong.

"The owner of the other dogs was great - he tried desperately to help Bobbi be released," she said.

"They just hung on and pulled in every direction. At one stage I stood up I was just yelling for them to let go and one of the dogs jumped up and bit me taking a chunk of my arm."

As a result, Ms Nowakowski suffered a deep bite wound to her upper arm which she said was likely to require a skin graft to heal properly.

Shire chief executive Gary Gaffney confirmed the six dogs would be euthanised.

"At Swim Beach there are signs up indicating that it is an on leash area," he said.

"Our rangers constantly remind people about that.

"This is an incredibly unfortunate situation."

On Monday, the Shire issued a brief message to its Facebook page, reminding pet owners it was their responsibility to ensure their dog was on a leash and under control in public places.

"We need to protect our community from the danger and fear of dog attacks," the message read.

"People have a right to feel safe in the community. It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure people are protected and public areas are safe for everyone to enjoy.

"Aggressive animals have no place in public areas unless under close and direct supervision."

Acting Senior Sergeant Gene Wright said Kununurra police had been liaising with the owner of the dogs and the Shire which had taken carriage of the incident.

Sen. Sgt Wright said the matter had now been dealt with and served as a timely reminder for people to be aware of their obligations.

"It's the responsibility of all owners to control their dogs in public places by using leads and leashes," he said.