A Deer Park woman left physically and mentally scarred by a pit bull attack has no personal issue with the breed, but she does want better protection for victims.
It’s been nearly three years since Rosalyn Abbott and her then 11-year-old terrier-cross Twiggy were attacked, on Anzac Day, 2013, by a pit bull that leapt from behind a car.
Ms Abbott says the attack left her prone to anxiety, with injuries to her hands and forearms, and about $12,000 in vet fees to save Twiggy, who was “lucky to survive”.
“The wrong dog in the wrong hands, it can turn bad, doesn’t matter if it’s a German shepherd, rottweiler or a pit bull”
Ms Abbott, a dog obedience trainer since 1978, agrees with a recent inquiry report into the legislative and regulatory framework for restricted dog breeds, which found there had been a “moral panic” against pit bulls.
She also agreed with findings it was “impossible” for councils to identify restricted breed dogs just by looking at them, and there was no way to tell if pit bulls were truly more dangerous than other dogs.
“The wrong dog in the wrong hands, it can turn bad, doesn’t matter if it’s a German shepherd, rottweiler or a pit bull,” she said.
She said owners of dangerous breeds should have public liability insurance before registering their pets.
“There must be something for the victims,” she said. “It’s not necessarily the dog that is the problem, but irresponsible owners.
“If they are liable, their Centrelink benefits should be cut or money come off their wages if they work.
“It’s not fair. I’ve done everything right, but I’ve received no compensation. I’ve been let down by the system.”
Panic attacks
Ms Abbott said she still suffers from panic attacks when she sees certain breeds of dogs.
“It just came from behind the car and just grabbed her [Twiggy],” she said. “It was definitely a pit bull. My little dog’s body was covered in puncture wounds and bruising, and a large hole was ripped out of the top of her hip. Her front leg and shoulder were shattered.
“I still have the scars on my hands that will never go away.”
It’s Ms Abbott’s belief the owner of the dog that attacked her was interstate at the time and a friend had accidentally left the gate open. She said Twiggy never recovered from the attack, passing away just before Christmas last year.
