SECONDS OF H0RROR, MONTHS OF PAIN: BRISBANE WOMAN SPEAKS OUT AFTER VICIOUS DOG ATTACK TAKES SH0CKING NEW TWIST
A Carindale woman says Brisbane City Council’s handling of a vicious dog attack has made her recovery harder, after the dangerous animal was returned to her neighbour without warning.
Erica Brennan and her 15-year-old dog Penny are still bearing the scars from the February attack by a next-door neighbour’s Rottweiler.
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“I was bitten and mauled and the scary face in front of me,” Brennan said.
“When the dog bit me, it felt like someone had hurled a dozen knives at my arm.”
A nearby tradie named Swade sprinted to save her during the terrifying ordeal.
“It’s just the right thing to do,” he said.
Brennan required surgery following the attack, while Penny suffered puncture wounds.


The attack was reported to council and the dog was seized, but two weeks later it was back home next door.
“No warning. No notice. Nothing. That doesn’t help my recovery. It makes it harder,” Brennan said.
She was later told the investigation was complete and measures had been put in place to prevent another attack but says council didn’t tell her what those measures were.
The dog’s owner spoke to 7NEWS about the incident.
“I feel very bad for her. I feel bad for the dog. I’ve had to put up enclosures. I’ve paid $3,000 in fines,” they said.


Now classed as dangerous, the dog should usually be kept in an enclosure.
Already this year, there have been 247 reports of animals attacking people in Brisbane. Most occurred in Inala with 13 attacks, followed by eight in Sunnybank and six in Bracken Ridge.
Council’s customer services chair Sarah Hutton says she’s raised concerns with officers about ensuring victims are kept informed.
“People who have experienced a dog attack deserve clear communication and I have raised concerns about ensuring victims are kept informed throughout investigations,” Hutton said.
“It feels like the dog’s the important thing and not the victim and my dog,” Brennan said.