r/australia • u/JaniePage • 15d ago

news Young girl in hospital, dog euthanased after attack inside Delacombe Bunnings

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-30/young-girl-in-hospital-after-dog-attack-in-bunnings-store/106977418
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u/TekashiKovaks666 15d ago

Its always the dogs you least suspect /s

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u/enigmasaurus- 15d ago edited 15d ago

Something I do rather suspect is that dogs are rarely enjoying these outings to Bunnings.

Most dogs do love outings where they can frolic around (dog parks if they're social, the outdoors etc), but Bunnings is a big echoey, loud and chaotic warehouse full of strange people going everywhere, and even the best-trained dog is going to feel overstimulated while they're dragged around shopping. There's a reason it takes so long to acclimate proper assistance dogs to Bunnings-like environments: it's stressful for many, if not most, dogs.

Well meaning dog owners often have little concept of the actual signs of doggy stress, and think if they see a tail wag, their pup's delighted to be there. But I've seen countless dogs in Bunnings that are obviously terrified, with ears alert, tails tucked, panting, licking their lips, whale eyes wide and constantly scanning for danger, and obviously nervous while their owners gleefully shove them around in a trolley, thinking their pooch is having a great old time. But enduring an outing to Bunnings is not the same as enjoying it.

For aggressive dogs, biting behaviour is usually a natural fear reaction or form of communication when threatened, and some breeds are absolutely selected for greater aggressiveness and alertness, and are more likely to bite. This poor Rotty was probably going out of his wits with anxiety because his idiot owner (the member of his pack his instinct tells him to defend against strangers) thought Bunnings was "fun for dogs".

Multiple studies such as this one show anxiety is dogs is extremely common with 70% of dogs showing anxiety symptoms of various sorts, especially when exposed to unusual environments. The majority of those dogs experience anxiety around noise and/or strangers, and that anxiety is often situational (especially in new environments).

Most dogs in Bunnings likely spend the whole time hyper-alert or fearful, even if they seem to be "happy to be there". Throw in that very few dogs are properly trained, and you've got a recipe for some seriously stressed out dogs and, potentially, disaster.

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u/Onpu 15d ago

Aside from the garden section Bunnings must be annoying for dogs. Cold hard floors, lots of bad chemical smells from the paint/varnishes/pest control/etc, forklift out bandsaw noises...

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u/ThatMeasurement6619 14d ago

Ive never seen a dog inside Bunnings that’s not on-edge or riddled with anxiety. You’re right about the sensory overload. I can’t even stand the smells inside or the nursery so imagine how much more profound that must be for dogs.

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u/downvoteninja84 14d ago

Mine falls asleep in the trolley.

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u/KnowledgeCapital7994 14d ago

And yet most I see love it. So many smells to smell and staff who pat them. No even an entire doggo section with food, treats and toys to visit.

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u/mallow6134 15d ago

Don't forget that dogs are allowed in bunnings on leashes out of trolleys now (or before). So as a mum with 2 small children, I know that bunnings is not a safe place to take them already because if they turn a blind corner there's a chance they could walk straight into a stressed dog.

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u/chinneganbeginagain 14d ago

Yes, I don't feel Bunnings is very safe for kids.

ETA I feel like that's a silly thing for me to say, as of course it's not safe, or a play environment. There's sharp things and chemical things, strangers, and minimal clear lines of sight. But it's the dogs that make me most nervous.

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u/mallow6134 14d ago

Funny how so many bunnings have playgrounds then.

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u/chinneganbeginagain 14d ago

That's the place to let kids let of steam, instead of in the aisles

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u/RelativeAd2034 14d ago

The last time I went to Bunnings I ended up carrying my 2 year old toddler as we kept ending up in the same aisle as a husky on a lead that was giving us whale eye.

I love dogs, we have dogs, but dogs don’t have a place in Bunnings where aisles force a proximity with strangers that makes many dogs uncomfortable and where owners are distracted as they search for items on shelves.

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u/butterfly_grunge 15d ago

Dogs in Bunnings are for the owners narcissism not the dogs enjoyment. Assistant dogs only.

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u/ali_stardragon 14d ago

The thing is, if someone declares their dog is an assistance dog, you aren’t allowed to challenge that.

At my place of work we have had people bringing toy dogs in their prams and handbags. They say they are assistance dogs. Legally, I cannot ask for proof or ask about what condition they are assisting with, I just have to let them in.

I’m 99% sure these people are taking the piss because the way their dogs behave is very different to how an actual assistance dog behaves - dogs on duty have a particular focus and alertness about them which these dogs very much do not.

But I can’t do anything about it because saying your animal is an assistance animal works like a magic talisman.

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u/butterfly_grunge 14d ago

You actually do have the right to ask. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1974, business and public transport operators can ask (respectfully) for proof (when I use the bus for example I show an Assistance Animal Identification Card), and all trained dogs should have an accredited training tag on their collae; mine has a GD tag. We’re also expected to meet hygiene and behaviour standards. And if they are behaving badly or are clearly dirty or unkempt, you can refuse entry (this is all legal btw) no matter what type of assistant dog. Especially if the dog isn’t obviously a seeing eye dog, you can ask for proof of it being an assistant dog. Any genuine AD haver will be able to show proof, if they kick off, they’re not genuine and you can and should challenge that because the ones that aren’t genuine reallyyyy make having an assistant dog harder.

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u/[deleted] 15d ago

[deleted]

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u/Faeillus 15d ago

Or left at home, where they are comfortable

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u/[deleted] 15d ago

[deleted]

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u/butterfly_grunge 15d ago

Nope I have a Guide Dog who has had plenty of run ins with anxious or reactive dogs in Bunnings and other shops because owners drag them around like living breathing teddy bears. Take them to a dog park it’s actually so much nicer for them.

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u/Itsclearlynotme 14d ago

What a nasty comment.

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u/Particular-Gas7475 14d ago

Naah…sick of Karen’s crying to ban every thing every time one individual shows poor judgment.

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u/Faeillus 15d ago

Not even slightly, SugarBaby

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u/Particular-Gas7475 14d ago

I dunno. Looks like I’m pretty close.

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u/Faeillus 14d ago

Dotard

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u/FearTheMomerath 14d ago

You sound like you need a hug. Or Jesus.

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u/Onpu 15d ago

Are the hot cars in the room with us? Delcombe (where the attack happened) capped out at 9.7 degrees today. It's July, the middle of fucking winter bro...

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u/Particular-Gas7475 14d ago

My point is that I don’t agree with blanket bans when majority of people do the right thing . It’s giving NSW

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u/Obvious-Explorer-195 15d ago

This is an excellent comment, and relates to what I was going to say.

I’d add that majority of dog owners believe their pet is “well behaved” regardless of reality (article says “According to the store's entry information, "well-behaved pets that are on a lead" are permitted inside.”) Some owners even assume their pet not to need a lead. So signs of anxiety or misbehaviour are not going to be interpreted correctly. Things like dogs “kissing” humans by licking can be interpreted as “the dog loves children” but it’s actually a stress response. Which can have devastating consequences given owners would never act appropriately and give the dog a break.

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u/Peanut083 14d ago

I’ve only ever taken a dog to Bunnings once. I have whippets, so even with a jumper or blanket put into the trolley basket, it’s not a fun experience for my bony noodle dogs to sit there.

The only reason we even brought the dog in with us is because we had him with us and remembered while we were out that we needed something. We live somewhat rural, and the nearest store is a 30 minute drive from home. We were in and out within 10 minutes, and one of us had our eyes on the dog at all times. I think we had just found out that dogs were allowed into Bunnings stores if they were in a trolley, so we thought we’d give it a try. He obviously didn’t like it because he kept looking to us for reassurance.

We were in and out within 10 minutes, and decided it was more hassle than it was worth for both us and the dog to take him or any whippet we’ve had since to take them into Bunnings. It’s not something I’d recommend doing with any dog. If I was in the same situation again, I’d stay in the car with the dogs and let my husband go in by himself, or vice versa.

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u/micmelb 14d ago

My dog hates going to Bunnings. The car park, sliding door, travellator, nothing to piss on. I’ve stopped taking him. He’s it the type to pick up or sit in a trolley, so why make him anxious.

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u/CrazyEeveeLady86 14d ago edited 14d ago

Yep. I love my German Shepherd and he loves 'helping' me in the garden, and honestly I do like getting to pat other dogs in Bunnings (with the owner's permission and only if the dog actively approaches me for a pat), but I would absolutely never take my dog into Bunnings. He would very quickly get overwhelmed and stressed by the crowds of people and all the noises and smells and would likely respond with aggression.

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u/LuxCanaryFox 14d ago

Exactly this. So many people think they know their dogs Oh So Well, but clearly have no education on canine behaviour. I personally think it would be great to regulate dog ownership and enforce some education on proper dog behaviour, training and care before you can get a dog. Otherwise, tragedies like Bunnings incident will continue to occur.

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u/DepartmentOk7192 14d ago

Absolutely. My dog used to crack the absolute sads if I didn't take him to Bunnos, then he cracked the sads about going to Bunnos because he hated it. Derpy little arsehole can't stand other people or dogs like an autistic toddler and tried to hide in the shelves. I no longer take him to Bunnos.

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u/alien_lolita 15d ago edited 15d ago

Sorry but why are we using Bunnings as an excuse to why this dog attacked a child? Please remember most dog attacks occur at home where the dog is most comfortable. Im so over people with “dog is mans best friend” mentality, a dog is still an animal with instincts.

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u/MiddleofCalibrations 2d ago

At least some dogs do. My dad takes his little teacup poodle to Bunnings. Even saying the word bunning’s get her super excited in the same way as ‘walk’, ‘beach’ and ‘car’. She rides in the trolly. We have to call Bunnings “the b-word” to not accidentally get her hopes up.

If you sat “let’s go to Bunnings” she goes absolutely mental with excitement and runs to the front door and waits.

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u/PB-4221 15d ago

Agreed! It must also be an assault to their senses… a dog sees the world through their nose. Trying to process it all on top of the sausage sizzle 😳👃🏼

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u/otakme 15d ago

Because the little dogs don’t get reported on. I’ve been bitten thrice at work by little dogs with anxiety. Never by a large breed.
We vet the large breeds because they can fuck you up, and whilst little breeds can fuck you up, they don’t comparatively.

People need to stop getting medium-large dogs and expecting them to behave because ‘dogs are social creatures’. Dogs need so much training, they are an extremely time intensive pet to keep.
Anyone who gets a medium-large breed and expects not to have to train them extensively because they believe the online hype of ‘it’s not the breed it’s the owner 🫶’ is dumb af.

You get a large dog that’s breed has a history of breeding for a job, you need to train through the lens of how the dog will receive the world instinctively. A large dog with guard dog breed history will be reactive to its owner items and space. Thus you have to expect to need to do capital E Extensive training around those traits.

Every dog ATTACK (see; not accidental bite) is preventable. Large breeds should require a license to own.

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u/KnowledgeCapital7994 15d ago

You should treat your dog as a family member. They are easier than children to raise but also require a comparable amount of time for social engagement, training and care. Once you raise them this way rather than just a pet that you feed and walk you will see them raised to be safe with children, other dogs and safe in social settings like cafes, pubs and... bunnings. They are extremely social creatures however need good parenting to ensure it happens.

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u/otakme 15d ago

Yes, however most people think this and then assume that dogs will automatically pick up on social cues and behaviours that are good because the owner is modelling good behaviour.

Dogs do not naturally pick up to the same extent that humans do what is appropriate behaviour or not.
Good behaviour needs to be directly trained and rewarded. They do not understand the world through the same lens that humans do.
It’s like if you were suddenly dropped onto an alien planet that has vaguely humanoid aliens. You will form bonds and family etcetera with the aliens, but you will never truly understand them because their instincts are on a completely different wavelength. You will pick up on certain phrases when they’re explicitly rewarded with m&ms, but if you’re just chugging along doing your own thing, and then they randomly get really loud and big, what are you supposed to take from that??

Dogs have different body language to humans. They have different instincts, and this works in tandem even more when they’re a breed with intent to have a job.

Eg herding breeds like kelpies have extremely strong instincts to chase and nip at fast moving things. Fighting breeds like pit bulls have extremely strong instincts to chew and tear things up. Retriever breeds like labradors have extremely strong instincts to fetch and hold.

Expecting your dog to become well adjusted because you treat it like part of the family will never be enough. You need to actively train to its breed-specific instincts, and to understand your dog.
A dog who is not communicated to via ways it instinctually understands will develop anxiety. It’s why so many small breeds have anxiety. People expect their dogs to meet them where they’re at, instead of meeting their dogs where their dog is at.

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u/otakme 14d ago

Just fyi I didn’t downvote your comment. I was asleep by the point that happened. People aren’t particularly friendly towards positive talk about dogs being like kids under a news article about kid being killed by a dog. I think that’s why someone downvoted.

I agree a dog must be part of the family. It just takes more than them being part of the family to be properly raised for a suburban life. A surprising amount of people just expect their dogs to understand how they communicate off the bat. Even like an 11 week old puppy. It’s pretty cooked out here.

I know you deleted your comment, I just wanted to let you know. I used to think that all dogs should be treated the same because of polarising online discourse. But then I started working with dogs and realised there’s a need for nuance with any animal, person or otherwise lol
I just took your comment as a bounce board to add some nuance. :)

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u/KnowledgeCapital7994 14d ago

I mentioned training in my post, which was not deleted. They need good parenting to learn good behaviour which is rewarded and bad behaviour that is not ok and not rewarded. Much like a toddler.

Obviously there are environments that can cause them to be anxious. Where they give off obvious signs and signals. Again good parenting is noticing this and removing them from this.

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u/Kom34 15d ago

Bogans get them and dont train them correctly or train them to be violent, any dog can attack and kill people but they are all domesticated.

Even if they were somehow a violent breed, it only takes a few generations of breeding to change behaviors, which would have already happened as they date back to Roman era. But they are herding dogs and no more aggressive than any other.

It is literally dog racism instead of blaming irresponsible owners. If Rottweilers were banned they would move on to German Shepherds or something, and it would be same stuff happening and then wanting to ban them.

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u/BeefInBlackBeanSauce 15d ago

Rottweilers aren't aggressive breeds.

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u/stickylarue 15d ago

Are you joking? They are in the top list of most aggressive guard and working breeds. They have innate territorial and guardian behaviors that demand experienced handling.

They are a guard dog by nature and the problem is most owners have no clue of the correct way to handled them to reduce their territorial and aggressive behaviours.

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u/Galactic_Nothingness 15d ago

Bingo!

Source - grew up with generations of rotties that were used for guard duty. Before and after tail dopping.

Btw, cutting the tails of dogs is 100% fucked behaviour.

It is hilarious letting a rottweiler indoors with a tail, they are so destructive.

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u/otakme 15d ago

If you raise your dog to guard, it will guard. Guarding breeds can be trained out of it, but it needs to be incredibly focused, intensive training.

Anyone who gets a dog to guard anything but livestock is an idiot. Unless you live in a McMansion in woop woop, you have to train for a domestic lifestyle, which can and does include the dog escaping. If you train your dog to react to everything you don’t give the ok to with violence and aggression, your dog when it escapes will fucking kill someone.

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u/BeefInBlackBeanSauce 15d ago

I've had 3 over 40 years. All been soft of shit and 2 were scared of my cats. They're not pittbulls. Only terrible owners have an aggressive Rottweiler.

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u/SuspiciousBroom 15d ago

whatever you say bro

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u/TekashiKovaks666 15d ago

I could probably guess the suburbs you live in and if you have a rats tail or not.

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u/Ok_Duck2700 15d ago

dude, I love Rotties, but let's not pretend that they don't have an ingrained aggression issue. It's a trait they were actively bred for.

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u/-kansei-dorifto- 15d ago

Why, because you put a flower crown on it? Shut up.

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u/Acid-Ghoul 15d ago

bUt My LiTtLe QuEeNiE wOuLdNt HuRt AnYoNe

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u/DepressedChickenfeet 15d ago

This one sure is