A Mount Isa family says they have been left devastated and traumatised after their 15‑year‑old granddaughter’s dog was run over and then shot by police allegedly in full view of children and nearby residents.
Police were attending an unrelated incident on Mill Crescent in Pioneer on Sunday when the collision occurred. In a statement, Queensland Police said the dog was struck by a marked vehicle travelling at low speed. It remains unclear whether the animal ran onto the road or emerged from behind a parked car, as officers have suggested.
According to police, the dog suffered “significant trauma injuries” and was in visible distress. A supervising officer arrived within minutes and made the decision to euthanise the animal on the spot to prevent further suffering.
The dog named Smokey belonged to teenager Kulaia‑Gene Surha. Her grandmother, Sharlene Boddy, said the family was shattered by the loss and horrified by how the situation was handled. While she acknowledged Smokey’s injuries were severe, she questioned why officers chose to shoot the dog at the scene rather than transport him to a veterinary clinic.
“We understood that he had to be put down, but there were other avenues they could have taken,” she said. Boddy added that she immediately asked relatives to remove Kulaia‑Gene from the area after officers informed her of their intention to shoot the dog, fearing the teenager would witness the traumatic moment.
The incident has sparked anger and distress among family members and residents who say the shooting unfolded in front of children and neighbours. Police have not indicated whether an internal review will be conducted.
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