In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the small rural community of Allens Rivulet, located 25 kilometers southwest of Hobart, a Rottweiler named Ruben mauled one of its owners to death and severely injured the other. Retiree Noel Backhouse, 66, and his wife Karen ‘Maree’ Anderson, 64, were viciously attacked in their own home on a fateful Sunday night. This tragic event has brought to light several issues, including the fact that Ruben was unregistered.
The horrifying attack unfolded suddenly, leaving the victims in a life-threatening situation. A neighbor, alarmed by the commotion, promptly called Triple Zero at around 10:40 pm. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but tragically, Mr. Backhouse succumbed to his critical injuries before they could intervene. Mrs. Anderson, who suffered severe leg injuries, was fortunate to survive the ordeal.
In a shocking revelation, the Kingborough Council disclosed that Ruben, the Rottweiler responsible for the vicious attack, was not registered. The couple’s two other dogs, a German Shepherd named Tori and a French Bulldog named Evie, were also unregistered. This raises serious questions about the regulation and oversight of pet ownership in the area.
As a result of the incident, Ruben was euthanized, and the council seized Tori and Evie for further investigation. The fate of these two dogs now hangs in the balance as authorities determine whether they pose any danger to the community.
Mrs. Anderson’s love for animals was evident in her social media posts. Just five months before the tragic incident, she shared a thought-provoking post that highlighted a recurring pattern of blaming specific dog breeds for attacks, such as Dobermans in the ’70s, German Shepherds in the ’80s, Rottweilers in the ’90s, and now Pitbulls. The post concluded with a poignant question: “When will they blame the humans?”
The couple’s deep passion for dogs was further evident through their active involvement in dog shows. According to an online profile, Mr. Anderson had been exhibiting purebred dogs, including Rottweilers, for over a decade. In November of the previous year, Ruben had earned accolades, winning Best State Bred Dog and Best Opposite State Bred at the Rottweiler Club of Tasmania Specialty Show.
The tragic irony of this story is that Mr. Backhouse had previously put himself in harm’s way to protect Ruben from another dog attack just 14 months earlier. In July 2022, while walking Tori and Ruben along a local trail, a Pitbull attacked their dogs. Mr. Backhouse intervened to shield Ruben, sustaining serious injuries in the process. He expressed his frustration with the other dog’s owner, who fled the scene with no regard for the consequences of his dog’s actions.
Following the recent attack, Ruben was euthanized at the couple’s property by an animal management officer from the Kingborough Council. The council also took custody of Tori and Evie while conducting an investigation into the incident. The community rallied together, with a neighbor launching an initiative to care for the couple’s remaining dogs while Mrs. Anderson recovers.
Tasmanian Police Inspector Colin Riley, addressing the media, described the attack as a tragic turn of events for a family that had deeply loved their pet. He emphasized that Ruben had seemingly turned on his owners in a seemingly random act of aggression. A report is currently being prepared for the coroner to further investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
This tragic event has ignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations and responsible pet ownership. The fact that Ruben and the couple’s other dogs were unregistered highlights a critical gap in the oversight of pet ownership. It also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing issues related to dangerous dogs and their owners. As the community mourns the loss of Mr. Backhouse and supports Mrs. Anderson in her recovery, there is hope that this tragedy will lead to positive changes in dog ownership regulations to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.