Local News

Brisbane council to euthanise family dog because of ‘excessive barking’

The family has claimed that the complaints were made by a "vindictive neighbour".

The family has claimed that the complaints were made by a "vindictive neighbour".

A Brisbane family is desperately trying to save the life of their pet dog after the council called for it to be put down for ‘excessive barking’.

The city council issued a notice to ‘Seize and Destory’ the Banwell family’s three-year-old golden retriever, Sandy, after they received complaints about her barking for the past ‘two-and-a-half years’.

Sandy’s family have claimed most of the complaints have been made by a “vindictive neighbour” and that the council has evidence that the dog “does not bark much at all” and is choosing to ignore it.

When 9News reached out to Brisbane’s city council, a spokesperson Matthew Bourke, said, “On a number of occasions, this animal has barked excessively, up to 11 minutes in one instance.”

The family have turned to a petition to save Sandy’s life, asking for 75,000 signatures to present to the council.

“I have tried every avenue to address this, but no-one in council will listen,” writes Fiona Banwell, “My children are so upset that this type of thing could happen. Only pressure on the Council will save our dog as it appears bureaucrats only take notice when it may effect their votes or public image.

The petition currently has 64,000 signatures. You can sign the petition here.

Related stories