Alleged Attack on Toy Poodle Leaves Central Coast Woman Traumatised
A toy poodle was snatched by a stranger at Toukley and allegedly locked in a car and attacked, leaving its owner traumatised and facing an $18,000 vet bill. A 44-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences in connection with the attack.
A 44-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly snatching and attacking a toy poodle on the NSW Central Coast.
Daniel Galea faces 14 charges, including aggravated cruelty upon an animal, robbery, resisting and assaulting a police officer, attempting to drive under the influence of drugs, and possessing a prohibited weapon.
Tania Gorry, the dog's owner, said Bella was family to her and the attack left her traumatised and facing an $18,000 vet bill.
Arrest and Charges
Galea has been under police guard in the Wyong Hospital and will now undergo a mental health assessment.
According to a police statement, officers tried to rescue the dog as it was being attacked.
“The man allegedly seriously injured the dog and refused to comply with police directions,” the statement read.
“Officers smashed the front windows of the vehicle and deployed Tasers and OC spray to effect the arrest of the man.”
Four officers were taken to hospital for lacerations to their arms and hands allegedly suffered during the arrest.
The Attack
Tania Gorry told that she was walking her dog Bella along Toukley foreshore on September 29, when a man grabbed the dog and locked himself and the animal in a car.
“I couldn’t fight him, I just couldn’t,” she said.
“I hung on for dear life but he got the lead out of my hands.”
Bella suffered a broken jaw, spending several days in intensive care after surgery.
The dog was taken to a veterinary clinic, needing surgery for a fractured jaw and a haematoma to her eye.
Vets concluded she was also allegedly strangled.
Recovery and Support
Ms Gorry said her vet bill was likely to exceed $18,000.
A social media fundraising campaign saw donations reach the target in a matter of days.
“I’m so grateful to the outpouring of all the people who are showering love and support and donations,” Ms Gorry said.
The 58-year-old said she was also injured during the ordeal, suffering bruising and injuries to her hand, wrist, knee, ribs and abdomen.
But Ms Gorry said her focus was solely on the dog, which is being fed through a tube as it recovers.
“I’m just so grateful to God that she’s alive,” she said.
Bella was picked up from the vet today and is recovering at home.