A pet dog has died after multiple shots were fired from a high-powered rifle at a Gold Coast unit complex.
Police said Monday it was fortunate that a woman also was not killed in the shooting that they described as a targeted attack.
A man allegedly fired seven shots through the rear sliding glass door of the Mudgeeraba apartment early on Sunday.
The small white dog was in the living room and was shot in the shoulder, police said.
The 43-year-old occupant of the unit suffered a hand injury during the incident and later underwent surgery at Gold Coast University Hospital.
A man allegedly fired seven shots at a Queensland apartment, fatally wounding a dog and wounding a woman in the hand (pictured location on Google map)
Police allege shooting was a targeted attack
The pet was rushed to a veterinarian for treatment, but was later euthanized due to its injuries.
“It’s obviously pretty sad for the (pet) owner,” Interim Superintendent Mark Mooney told reporters.
Police believe there was possibly a man in the unit at the time of the shooting, but have not yet spoken to him.
“We believe he was targeted and there is no threat to the community,” Interim Superintendent Mooney said.
“It is extremely concerning and we are very fortunate that the lady was not murdered or we would be dealing with a murder investigation.”
The man allegedly used a high-powered rifle to shoot through the rear sliding glass door of the apartment (file image of an assault rifle).
“It’s really scary…we’re still determining the reasons why it happened.”
Police said they are studying CCTV footage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.