George Cooksley, the owner of three unregistered dogs that killed Maryborough mum Amanda Carmichael, says what he saw last June will haunt him forever.
Cooksley fronted court on Friday over an incident that cost Ms Carmichael her life.
He was prosecuted by the Queensland Fraser Coast Regional Council and found guilty on 11 charges relating to breaches of animal safety laws.
The scene of a fatal dog attack in Milton Street, Maryborough.
Ms Carmichael died in June 2021 after Cooksley’s three American Staffordshire X dogs savaged her at a Milton St home.
Cooksley had reportedly hidden the dogs – Tonka, Rebel and Magoo – in a mate’s backyard to avoid them being discovered during an inspection of his social housing home.
George Cooksley was sentenced for 11 charges relating to his ownership of three dogs which mauled a Maryborough woman to death.
When he returned, he found the mangled body of Ms Carmichael, who died before help arrived.
Tonka, Rebel and Magoo – who were not desexed, microchipped or registered – were destroyed that night.
The court heard Cooksley co-operated with police, helping them handle the dogs after the attack.
George Cooksley owned three unregistered dogs, including this one, which mauled a Maryborough mum to death.
It was also revealed in court that he talked about the dog’s aggression to the police.
“Of my dogs, I think Tonka was the most aggressive,” he reportedly said to police.
The court was told Cooksley could have done more to meet obligations regarding his dangerous animals, although Ms Carmichael had let herself into the backyard where she was attacked.
Cooksley’s counsel, Travis George, did not dispute the facts, the Fraser Coast Chronicle reported, and reaffirmed that his client had been cooperative with authorities.
Maryborough dog attack victim Amanda Carmichael.
Mr George also told the court that Cooksley attempted to give first aid to Ms Carmichael.
Cooksley was fined more than $17,000 and convicted on all charges.
On the court steps, he revealed he would be eternally haunted by the incident, paying his respects to Ms Carmichael’s family.
“My heart goes out to her family- it was just a tragedy, that’s all,” he said.
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“It will be with me for the rest of my life.”
After her death Ms Carmichael – who struggled with homelessness and drug use before her death – was described by loved ones as social and always up for a laugh.
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