Burke,ruby lea
Deceased
Ruby-Lea Burke
Demographics
3y, female
Date of death
2009-01-07
Finding date
2011-09-21
Cause of death
Multiple injuries sustained in dog attack
AI-generated summary
Ruby-Lea Burke, aged 3, died on 7 January 2009 after being fatally attacked by dogs at a private residence in Whitton, NSW, where she was being minded by family friends. While cared for by Ms Lorraine O'Donnell and her partner, Ruby-Lea opened an unsecured rear screen door and was attacked by two of five dogs kept at the property. The coroner found the primary contributing factors were inadequate supervision and failure to contain the dogs in a childproof enclosure. Although the dogs had no prior history of aggression, a specialist in animal behaviour identified multiple environmental factors that may have triggered the attack. The coroner concluded Ruby-Lea's death was preventable had the dogs been properly contained. The coroner referred the matter to the Companion Animals Taskforce, recommended forensic protocols for fatal dog attacks, and suggested review of tranquilisers used by animal control officers.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Inadequate supervision of child
- Unsecured rear screen door allowing dog access
- Failure to contain dogs in childproof enclosure
- Inadequate dog management and training
Coroner's recommendations
- Refer this Finding, the statement of Detective Sergeant Simon Day and reports prepared by Dr S. to the Companion Animals Taskforce for consideration of recommendations regarding management of dogs and investigation of dog attacks
- Develop a protocol specifying forensic examinations to be undertaken of dogs involved in fatal and serious dog attacks; once such examinations undertaken the subject dogs should be destroyed and disposed of
- Undertake a review of tranquilisers made available to animal management officers to ensure the most effective product is available to them for controlling dogs and other animals that pose a threat to the community
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