Award-winning singer-songwriter Tones and I, whose real name is Toni Elizabeth Watson, has come under scrutiny after her American bulldog, Boss, attacked and killed her neighbour’s cavoodle in Mt Eliza, located on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. This incident occurred in November when Boss escaped from Watson’s property as the neighbour was out walking his two cavoodles. During this time, Watson’s chocolate Labrador, Charlie, was inadvertently locked outside.
Upon noticing the situation, the neighbour contacted a friend of Watson’s who had just arrived at her residence. As the friend opened the gate to retrieve Charlie, Boss seized the opportunity to dash out and attacked the 17-year-old cavoodle, inflicting fatal injuries. Efforts made by three individuals to separate the dogs resulted in injuries to two of them as well.
The case was recently heard in Dromana Magistrate’s Court, where Watson’s lawyer represented her as she is presently in the United States working on her upcoming album. The court mandated that she pay over $3000 in penalties for neglecting to secure and register her dog adequately. Watson has reportedly accepted full culpability and maintains a good relationship with her neighbours despite the tragic event.
Animal behaviourist Ana Goncalves Costa commented on the incident, suggesting that it was a result of unfortunate timing, as such attacks can escalate rapidly. She empathised with those affected, describing the scenario as truly distressing, emphasizing that attacks can occur unexpectedly and quickly.