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Couple Injured While Trying To Save Pet Dog From Goanna In 'Horrific And Freak' Attack

Couple Injured While Trying To Save Pet Dog From Goanna In 'Horrific And Freak' Attack

Sadly, the dog died from its injuries.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Everyone knows that living in Australia carries with it a risk that you could die from our hilariously dangerous wildlife.

But usually your mind goes to shark attacks, spider bites or maybe the odd angry kangaroo that biffs you.

You'd rarely think of the humble goanna...and neither did this Brisbane couple when they had a run in with the reptile.

RACQ/Facebook

The Aussie couple was enjoying an afternoon in Shute Harbour yesterday while walking their dog. All of a sudden a goanna came out of nowhere and started attacking their pooch.

Naturally, paternal instincts kicked in for the 72-year-old man and he went to rescue his beloved pet, but then the reptile turned on him. It latched onto his right arm and leg and then turned to the man's wife.

RACQ CQ Rescue treated the couple and wrote in a statement: "The man suffered a very serious laceration and possible fracture of his right forearm as well as severe bleeding from his leg wound.

"His wife was taken to Proserpine hospital by ambulance for treatment. Unfortunately the poor dog didn't survive the attack."

That last line is pretty rough.

MargaretDonald/Creative Commons

Now, just so you're aware, this is pretty out of the ordinary, with a RACQ CQ spokesperson telling the Courier Mail that it's a 'freak' and 'horrific' incident so don't run screaming every time you see a goanna. Maybe just keep your distance.

Another animal to avoid is kangaroos.

Three people had to be taken to hospital after being battered by skippy in Queensland. The incident happened on Ayers Rock Rd at Cypress Gardens, southwest of Toowoomba, last year and emergency crews rushed to the scene.

By the time they arrived, the kangaroo had fled, leaving a 54-year-old woman severely wounded, a Queensland Ambulance spokesperson told The Courier Mail.

PA

The woman has sustained a 'significant chest wound' injury and two other people suffered minor cuts, the spokesperson said.

Kangaroo attacks are rare, according to wildlife expert, Ian Temby, who told The Age: "If you're standing up, the kangaroo can kick you with its hind feet and that can pretty much rip you open. That's extremely dangerous."

Giving advice on what to do if you find yourself face to face with a kangaroo, Temby, who spent 33 years with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, said: "Just get away from it as fast as you can."

Solid guidance, mate.

Featured Image Credit: obyandtamar/Creative Commons

Topics: News, Australia