Ambulance officers reveal ordeal of elderly couple who were hospitalised after saving their beloved dog Lily from savage attack by a goanna
- A 72-year-old man was attacked by goanna near the Whitsundays in Queensland
- He was trying to rescue his dog from the reptile when it mauled his arm and leg
- The animal then turned on his wife and they were both rushed to hospital
A couple and their dog have been seriously injured after they were horrifically attacked by a goanna near their Queensland home.
Reg Eggers, 72, and his wife Julie Eggers, 64, are both recovering in hospital after trying to rescue their pet dog near their Flametree home in the Whitsunday region.
The Jack Russell cross, named Lily, chased after the goanna, which then turned on the small dog an attacked her about 3.30pm on Thursday.
Reg Eggers, 72, and his wife Julie Eggers, 64, are both recovering in hospital after trying to rescue their pet dog (left) near their Flametree home in the Whitsunday region
A couple and their dog have been seriously injured after they were horrifically attacked by a goanna near their Queensland home
Mr Eggers tried to free Lily from the goanna’s grasp, but as he approached the animal, it launched onto his right arm and leg.
‘The reptile suddenly turned on them, latching onto the man’s right arm and leg as well as biting the woman’s leg,’ a spokesperson for RACQ CQ Rescue said.
‘He was in considerable pain.’
The 72-year-old was flown to Mackay Base Hospital suffering from severe blood loss from his leg and a suspected fracture to his arm.
He underwent surgery on Thursday evening while his wife was taken to Proserpine Hospital for her injury.
While it was initially reported that Lily died during the attack, it is now understood she was rushed to the vet with serious injuries but is still alive.
‘The dog was transported to the vet with injuries,’ a RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter spokeswoman said.
The Jack Russell cross, named Lily, chased after the goanna, which then turned on the small dog an attacked her about 3.30pm on Thursday
Queensland Ambulance Service Senior Operations Supervisor Shane Tucker told ABC the animal’s claws would have caused intense damage.
‘I would imagine it could have the potential for some significant, even life-threatening, injuries due to the nature of the animal,’ Mr Tucker said.
‘Apparently the family dog went chasing this goanna and they got into an altercation and the gentlemen has tried to save his dog.
Mr Tucker explained that goanna’s anatomy includes extremely sharp claws, which contributed to the severe lacerations in Mr Eggers’ leg.