Sydney woman awarded $101,000 in damages after ‘terrifying' dog attack
Mary Ioannidis launched NSW District Court proceedings against the owner of a greyhound staffordshire bull terrier cross after the incident in Mortdale in Sydney's south in April 2020. Her dog Lexi's front left leg was amputated at the shoulder following the attack.
The court heard the larger dog was unrestrained while Lexi was on a retractable lead on a suburban street.
The greyhound cross ran towards the shih tzu and was 'throwing her from side to side' as Ioannidis 'tried desperately to pick her up', District Court Judge John Catsanos said in a decision on Tuesday.
'When she finally was able to get Lexi, the defendant's dog continued to attack. In the plaintiff's words: '… he kept running back and launching at me, and he just kept attacking, and he just didn't stop. He didn't stop, and I was falling over and trying to get on my feet'.'
The judge said photographs taken immediately after the attack 'show that Lexi's front left leg was completely severed at around the elbow joint and … [Ioannidis] had various lacerations and abrasions, including to her neck, chin and hands'.
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'By any measure, this was a violent and terrifying attack,' he said. 'Fortunately, there was a vet nearby and following emergency treatment, which included amputation of the leg at the shoulder, Lexi survived.'
Ioannidis, who designs high-end bridal and evening wear, brought a claim for damages under the NSW Companion Animals Act, which provides that the owner of a dog is liable to pay damages for bodily injury to a person, or damage to personal property, caused by their dog during an attack.
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