A Oxley resident whose cat was killed in her backyard by a roaming dog says off-leash pets are a major problem in the suburb.

After moving to her Oxley Rd home only six months ago, she was now building a large fence around the property to keep her grandchildren and remaining pets safe.

Brisbane City Council is investigating the dog attack.

It is believed earlier in the day (February 5), a man and his dog were also attacked by a dog on the same street.

Jeanette D’Arcy said she returned home from work to find her cat, Kutching, dead and paw prints and claw marks across her yard.

She was unsure how many dogs were involved.

“It was very traumatic,” she said.

“I thought, ‘What is wrong with this neighbourhood?’

“I have been here less than six months and someone has let their dog kill my cat.

“If there is a dog off leash that can do this to a cat, God help your children.”

“There’s a lot of dogs being walked past our place off leash.”

Ms D’Arcy said Kutching was very placid, and only went outside for sun, always staying close to the home.

A Brisbane City Council spokeswoman said dog attacks were treated very seriously with huge fines up to $30,000 and potential imprisonment.

“If a dog attacks a person or another animal the owner can be held responsible even if they are not present at the time,” she said.

“Negligent owners can be criminally liable and face up to 10 years in jail for conduct leading to an attack.

“They could even be charged with manslaughter if someone is killed.”

In Brisbane, owners must keep their dog under control at all times, either within a fenced area on their property or on a leash when in public.

The penalties for not doing so range from $200 to $5000.