Fines of up to $22,000 can apply under the NSW Companion Animals Act after a 55-year-old man died when his dog attacked him on his Coonabarabran property. The incident happened at about 10:00am on Sunday, July 12, 2026, and police euthanased the dog at the scene. Orana Mid Western Police District officers found the man suffering serious injuries on Timor Road; paramedics assessed him but he died at the scene. Because the death, the on-site euthanasia and an active police investigation are all in play, the matter will proceed through council and coroner processes rather than prompting immediate legislative change.
Warrumbungle Shire Council records roughly one dog attack each month in the shire, a statistic that frames local concern after the July 12 incident that left a 55-year-old man dead. The council issued a statement offering its sympathies and said it couldn't comment on the circumstances while police investigate.
Orana Mid Western Police District officers responded to reports of a dog attack at a property on Timor Road and found the man with serious injuries. Paramedics assessed him but he died at the scene. Police described the animal as medium to large in size but said they were unable to confirm the breed.
Officers euthanased the dog at the property and will prepare a report for the coroner. That coroner report is the next formal step in the investigation and will record the circumstances the police establish on scene.
Under the NSW Companion Animals Act, local councils are responsible for monitoring dangerous and menacing dogs in their areas. The act sets a range of penalties, including fines of $1,320 where a dog rushes at or chases a person or animal, and fines up to $22,000 where an attack results in serious injury or loss of life.
Warrumbungle Shire Council had already warned residents in April about aggressive dog behaviour and urged people to report incidents including charging or chasing that don't result in injury. The council's monthly incident rate, in a shire with a population under 10,000, reflects ongoing local reporting and enforcement activity.
The combination of an immediate fatality, euthanasia at the scene and an active police investigation means the case will move through existing council and coroner pathways rather than prompting a separate legislative response at this stage. Police and council authorities will follow their established procedures as the coroner's report is prepared.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner, the next formal step in the investigation.
This article was created with AI assistance.
