Australia: 'Such a waste': RSPCA urges dog owners to prevent attacks on koalas after fatal mauling

AUSTRALIA -- A dog has fatally mauled a three-year-old koala north of Brisbane, with the RSPCA stressing the need for pet owners to help protect local wildlife.

The male koala was savaged by a dog in Petrie, and had to be euthanised due to its injuries, the RSPCA Queensland said.

"The attack happened at 2.30am but the dog's owners didn't call the RSPCA until 7.30am," the animal welfare organisation said in a statement.

RSPCA Queensland senior wildlife veterinarian Rebecca Millers said the death was particularly sad "because it was easily preventable".

"We're urging everyone to keep their dogs inside at night time, particularly if they're in koala inhabited areas," she said.

"We're also urging anyone who witnesses an attack to call 1300 ANIMAL immediately.

"This koala lay in pain for over five hours. If we'd got there sooner there is a chance he could have survived."

The RSPCA Queensland's Wildlife Hospital has taken in more than 170 koalas this year, with 25 percent of them being the victims of dog attacks.

Dr Millers said the death of the male koala was a "senseless waste".

"This young male was about three years old and as such would have been coming into his first breeding season," she said.

"He was fit and healthy and sadly that's not common in our rapidly dwindling koala population. This is such a waste."

Queensland readers can report animal emergencies to the RSPCA by phoning 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

(9NEWS - June 28, 2016)