Dog involved in park attack dies from gunshot wound

One of two dogs involved in the mauling of a real estate agent in Brisbane’s north has died from a gunshot wound it sustained after the attack.

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.

A destruction order for both dogs was withdrawn last week, and a new dangerous dog declaration under state laws proposed.

The dog was shot by police as authorities responded to the attack. Brisbane City Council revealed on Tuesday afternoon that dog had died while the other remained in council custody.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim and everyone affected by this shocking attack,” Councillor Sarah Hutton said.

“We’re continuing to work closely with Queensland Police and will take further action as their investigation progresses.

“We know residents want swift action and so do we, but we must follow the state government’s strict legal processes. We will use every power available to protect residents and hold irresponsible dog owners to account.”

Council last week proposed to declare the dogs dangerous under state laws, and owner Layla Evans has until November 4 to respond.

Council can still decide to issue new destruction orders for the remaining dog, 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 dog would have to be implanted with microchips, wear identifying collars, be muzzled if away from its registered address and be kept in an enclosure at that address.

The surviving dog is registered to a Wavell Heights address, as was the deceased dog.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.