Rottweiler owner's chilling Facebook post just before pet dog killed her husband

18 October 2023 , 20:11

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Noel Backhouse, 66, was killed when his pet Rottweiler turned on him at home (Image: Facebook)

A Rottweiler owner who saw her husband mauled to death by their dog posted a chilling message on Facebook that suggested the breed is not violent just weeks before the fatal attack.

Dog-lover Karen Anderson, 64, took to the social media site to question ‘when will they blame humans’ for dog attacks carried out by Dobermans, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. But tragically her husband Noel Backhouse, 66, was to be set upon by their pet Rottweiler, Ruben, just weeks later in a frenzy that left retiree Noel dead and teacher Karen battling serious injuries.

Neighbours called for help at about 10.40pm on Sunday, October 15 to their home in a small community 25km southwest of Hobart, in Tasmania, Australia. Heroic paramedics raced to help but Noel was declared dead at the scene with critical injuries to his lower legs.

Karen Anderson remains in hospital with injuries from the tragic attack (Facebook)

The couple, who had two other pet dogs including a French Bulldog called Evie and a German Shepherd named Tori, were dedicated to Rottweiler Ruben and Noel had even been injured previously whilst protecting him from an attack by an out-of-control Pitbull. Karen shared brutal photos of his bloodied hands online and wrote: “In an attempt to keep Ruben safe, Noel was badly bitten.”

Their savage Rottweiler was an award-winning canine and had scooped up prizes for Best State Bred Dog and Best Opposite State Bred at the Rottweiler Club of Tasmania Specialty Show. Noel had been working with pure-bred dogs, including other Rottweilers, for more than ten years.

Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams

Noel's hands were left covered in blood after he saved Ruben from another dog's attack (Facebook)

The killer dog has since been put down by animal management officers from Kingborough Council, with the remaining French Bulldog and German Shepherd seized as the investigation into the tragedy unfolds. A neighbour has reportedly started a scheme to look after the two canines whilst Karen recovers in Royal Hobart Hospital, where she is in a stable condition.

Tasmanian Police Inspector Colin Riley told media: “This is a family that has had a loved pet. Unfortunately, that animal has turned on them and it's had tragic outcomes.” A report is set to be given to the coroner with further details surrounding the death.

Jake Loader