Council withdraws destruction order for dogs involved in Chermside attack

The destruction order for two dogs involved in the mauling of a real estate agent in Brisbane’s north were withdrawn earlier this week, and a new dangerous dog declaration under state laws proposed.

Ajay Malik, 37, suffered serious injuries to his arms, legs and face about 6pm on October 16 when he was set upon by two bulldog-crosses during a run through Chermside’s 7th Brigade Park.

Brisbane City Council announced late on Friday afternoon that a destruction order was no longer in place.

The dogs were seized following the attack and remain at a council animal facility, but the destruction orders issued on Saturday were withdrawn on Wednesday.

It instead now proposed to declare both dogs dangerous under state laws, and owner Layla Evans has until November 4 to respond.

Council can still decide to issue new destruction orders, which Evans would then have another 14 days to respond to.

Evans was arrested on unrelated charges on Saturday and held in the Brisbane Watchhouse for several days. Before she was arrested on Saturday, she told Nine News the dogs were protective of her but had never been aggressive, and had escaped from the tent she lived in.

The dangerous dog declaration would come with stronger penalties if violated, and could incur penalties of up to $120,890 or two years’ imprisonment. Previously, the local laws came with a maximum fine of $51,810.

Under the state laws, the dogs would have to be implanted with microchips, wear identifying collars, be muzzled if away from their registered address and be kept in an enclosure at that address.

Both dogs are registered to a Wavell Heights address.

Councillor Sarah Hutton said the park attack was horrific and the seriousness of it demanded the strongest possible response.

“We know people want swift action and so do we, but we must follow the State Government’s strict legal processes,” she said.

“We’re also working closely with Queensland Police and the progress of our enforcement action will depend on their ongoing investigations.

“We will use every power available to us to protect residents and hold irresponsible dog owners to account.”

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