Woman loses arm in vicious dog attack

A woman has lost an arm after a dog attack in North Queensland.

Police were called to a property on Lonergane St in Garbutt, Townsville, after 7am on Friday following reports of a woman being mauled by a dog, believed to be a staffordshire bull terrier cross.

The woman, aged in her 30s, was rushed to Townsville University Hospital with life-threatening injuries and is now in a stable condition.

Authorities unsuccessfully attempted to subdue the dog at the property and ended up fatally shooting the canine.

Speaking to The Courier-Mail, a neighbour explained the dog got “riled up” at a neighbour who was outside the woman’s house.

“She put her arm out to bring him back, that’s when he got her arm,” he said. “Her arm’s off from under the elbow.”

It’s understood the woman’s arm was recovered at the scene, and medical staff are attempting to reattach it.

A Townsville City Council spokesman confirmed they were aware of the incident and was working with Queensland Police as the investigation continued.

“Council is aware of a dog attack at Garbutt this morning that resulted in an injury to a person and the death of a dog following Queensland Police attendance,” the spokesman said.