Experts say not all dangerous dogs need to die as family loses court battle to save ‘dangerous’ pet

A Sunshine Coast family will say goodbye to their beloved pet dog this week after losing a 17-month court battle and spending tens of thousands of dollars to prevent it from being killed.

Sarge, the American Staffordshire terrier, was seized by Sunshine Coast Council in April last year following three incidents with other animals, including one in 2016 which resulted in the death of a small dog.

After almost a year and a half fighting the matter in court, Kara Chaplin said Sarge would be euthanased this week.

While council said it stands by its decision in the interest of “community safety”, a specialist Queensland dog trainer said there could be alternatives to euthanasia, with some dangerous dogs capable of rehabilitation.