A 28-year-old Perth man is fighting to prevent his American bulldog from being euthanized after it attacked his Tinder date, leaving her with a hole in her face that required 21 stitches and plastic surgery. Joshua Walker pleaded guilty to being liable for his eight-year-old dog, Texas, which bit the woman in the early hours of Christmas morning last year.
The Perth Magistrates Court heard that Walker and the victim met on Tinder and went back to his Morley home after drinks at a hotel. Walker asked the woman to wait outside while he secured Texas, but when she entered, the dog was inside. The court was told the woman extended her hand for the dog to sniff, but it lunged and bit her face.
Prosecutor Tim Houweling said the woman had a chunk taken out of her face, requiring 21 stitches and plastic surgery, and recent photos show scarring. Texas was also found to be unregistered, and Walker had not provided microchip details to the council. Because of the severity and unexpected nature of the attack, the council is seeking to have the dog destroyed.
Walker's lawyer, Alex Smith, disputed that the woman was bitten after reaching out her hand, claiming instead that she leaned over the dog. Smith said Walker has owned Texas since it was a puppy and described it as friendly and playful but territorial. He argued the woman entered before Walker could secure the dog and denied claims of mauling, saying Texas bit once. Walker helped the woman immediately and drove her to two hospitals.
Smith told the court Walker opposes the destruction application, though Texas is now missing and reported to the local ranger. Houweling urged the magistrate to impose a penalty sending a message about dangerous dogs, noting a rise in dogs kept for protection. Walker seeks a spent conviction order to avoid a criminal record.
