Woman’s husband mauled by dogs weeks after she shared post saying humans not dogs should be blamed for dog attacks

A woman has become a widow after her dog mauled her husband to death weeks after she shared a post saying dog owners, not the dogs, should be blamed for badly behaved pets.

Karen ‘Maree’ Anderson, 64, and husband Noel Backhouse, 66, were attacked by their Rottweiler, Ruben, in their home in Allens Rivulet, Tasmania, on Sunday night, Oct. 15.

Noel suffered fatal bites to his hands and arms while Ms Anderson had to be treated in hospital for injuries to her lower legs.

In June, she shared a post that said: “In the 70s they blamed the Dobermans. In the 80s they blamed the German Shepherds. In the 90s they blamed Rottweilers. Now they blame the Pitbull. When will they blame the humans?”

Ruben has now been euthanised and the two other dogs have been seized by the council while an investigation is carried out.

Noel was previously attacked by a Pitbull while out walking Tori and Ruben with his wife in July 2022.

Ms Anderson shared a picture of his bloody hands and wrists shortly afterwards.

She wrote at the time: “In an attempt to keep Ruben safe, Noel was badly bitten. The owner arrived on his bike and took off when the police were called.

“I’m just so angry that an idiot like this thinks it’s OK to allow his dog to roam freely while he follows on his bike… with no control over the animal.”

The couple took Ruben and their other dogs, Evie a French Bulldog and Tori a German Shepherd, to dog shows.

Ruben was awarded two trophies and two ribbons after winning Best State Bred Dog and Best Opposite State Bred at the Rottweiler Club of Tasmania Specialty Show last November.

It is understood a neighbour has launched a community initiative to help take care of the couple’s other dogs while Ms Anderson recovers. 

Tasmanian Police Inspector Colin Riley said: “This is a family that have had a loved pet.

“Unfortunately, that animal has turned on them and it’s had tragic outcomes.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.