Dog attack in Maryborough: Amanda Carmichael killed by three American Staffordshires while owner speaks

The owner of three dogs, who beat a mother-of-three to death, has spoken out about the “haunting” day after he was found guilty of violating animal welfare laws.

Amanda Carmichael was killed by the unregistered American Staffordshire crossbreed dogs in Maryborough, Queensland in June 2021.

Dog owner George Cooksley, who was on trial Friday over the incident, said his “heart goes out to her family”.

Cooksley, who has been charged by the Fraser Coast Regional Council, said what he saw will haunt him forever.

He was fined more than $17,000 and convicted on all charges he faced.

George Cooksley (pictured) said his “heart goes out to” the family of the woman his dogs killed

He reportedly hid his dogs – Tonka, Rebel and Magoo – behind a friend’s property to avoid being found during an inspection of his council house.

When he returned to get her, he found Ms Carmichael had been attacked by his dogs, which were not desexed or microchipped, the Fraser Coast Chronicle reported.

She died before medical help arrived and the dogs were euthanized that same day.

Cooksley cooperated with police and helped them control the dogs after they killed Ms Carmichael, the court heard.

“Of my dogs, I think Tonka was the most aggressive,” he reportedly told police.

Although Ms Carmichael had let herself into the backyard where she was attacked and killed, the court heard Cooksley could have done more to meet obligations related to keeping dangerous dogs.

His attorney, Travis George, said Cooksley provided first aid to Ms. Carmichael.

Ms Carmichael (pictured) was homeless at times and suffered from substance abuse

Outside of court, Cooksley said the incident will haunt him forever.

“My heart goes out to her family — it was just a tragedy, that’s all,” he said.

“It will accompany me for the rest of my life.”

Ms Carmichael – who was sometimes homeless and suffered from substance abuse – was described by her family and friends as a social person who loved to laugh.

The three dogs (one pictured above after the attack) had not been registered and had not been desexed