Four dogs that attacked man, 77, at Cable Beach put down after owner surrenders them

In short: 

Four dogs that attacked a 77-year-old tourist in Broome have been euthanased by the local council.

South Australian Bruce Newbold was visiting WA’s north when the dogs attacked him on Cable Beach last month.

What’s next? 

Mr Newbold is recovering in Broome and hopes to return home soon.

Four dogs that attacked a 77-year-old tourist on a popular stretch of beach in Western Australia’s north have been euthanased.

South Australian Bruce Newbold, who was visiting Broome with his wife, required surgery to his legs after he was bitten by the pack of dogs earlier this month.

Mr Newbold had parked his car on the shoreline north of the rocks on Cable Beach, when he was attacked.

The Minlaton resident said he was relieved the pet dogs were surrendered to Shire of Broome rangers and later put down.

“I think it’s made me feel a bit better that they’re not here, because they did a lot of damage to me,” he said.

“I am glad they’re gone.”

Mr Newbold’s wife of 53 years, Barb, said she was reassured by the decision.

“Once a dog attacks something they’ll do it again, so it was just common sense to have them put down,” she said.

‘A last resort’

The Shire of Broome said, while euthanasing dogs involved in attacks was “a last resort”, public safety was paramount.

“The decision to surrender the pets was difficult,” a spokesperson said.

“This outcome is consistent with responsible pet ownership.”

The dogs’ owner maintained she didn’t know the dogs attacked Mr Newbold after calling them back to her car.

“After learning about the trauma Mr Newbold suffered and discussions with shire rangers, [the owner] agreed to surrender the dogs,” the spokesperson said.

“The owner’s recognition of this is appreciated.”

Back to the beach

Mr Newbold returned to the beach on Monday and, while not being able to swim or ride his bike, he said his injuries were improving every day.

“I’m a lot better, I can walk around,” he said.

“In fact, I went down to the beach and sat on one of these stools [camping chairs] for about an hour, it was very good.”

The Newbolds had travelled to Broome every year, for more than a decade.

The pair said they were grateful for the support they had received from the local community, family and friends, including his three grandchildren who live in SA.

“It’s unbelievable the amount of phone calls I get from home, which is a long way away,” he said.

Speaking through tears, Mrs Newbold said the past few weeks had taken a toll.

“Yesterday I was playing bowls and I think just about everyone asked me how things were going,” she said.

Mr Newbold thanked hospital staff for the care he received over the past few weeks.

“I was looked after very well,” he said.

“The doctors and the nurses — fabulous people.”

The Broome Shire said rangers would provide the dog owner with support, and wished Mr Newbold all the best with his recovery.