EDEN, Australia, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Experts renewed warnings about dogs cross-bred with dingoes in the wake of the fatal mauling of a 2-year-old girl in rural Australia.
The toddler was attacked by the pet chained in the backyard of the family's home in Nullica Tuesday, the Australian reported.
The little girl's grandfather shot and killed the dog after the attack, the newspaper said.
Dingoes and cross-breeds are not good pets, RSPCA Chief Bernie Murphy said.
"They have surly, snappy natures," Murphy said. "They do not have family dog characteristics -- they can be aggressive, territorial and reactive. Those sort of dogs should have no part of a family unit."
Melbourne veterinary behaviorist Lewis Kirkham echoed Murphy, saying dingoes were wild and unpredictable. Chained animals often become aggressive as well, he added.
Kirkham stopped short of supporting a ban on dingo mixes.
"Every dog should be judged on its individual merits," he said. "I don't think banning breeds is something that works."
