A woman named Elle Booth experienced a terrifying dog attack in July 2023 while walking her Jack Russell, Indie, near Boggywell Creek in Lugarno, south of Sydney. As she found herself sinking up to her shoulders in mud, she described her fear, believing she was going to drown as the tide rose. The incident involved two unleashed Irish wolfhounds owned by a man named George Helou, who has been charged with causing the attack and reportedly fled the scene.
Footage of the incident captured the harrowing moment as Booth struggled in the mud, desperately trying to protect Indie from the aggressive dogs. A witness attempted to intervene by using a hunting whistle, but reportedly to no avail, as Booth continued to be mauled until police arrived, using capsicum spray to drive the dogs away. Tragically, Indie succumbed to injuries a few days after the incident.
Booth recounted her last moments with Indie, expressing her sorrow as she managed to show love and comfort before being taken to the hospital. Following the attack, the Irish wolfhounds were seized from Helou’s residence, where they were found covered in mud, further indicating their involvement in the attack.
While there is no dispute regarding the attack itself, the case hinges on proving Helou’s responsibility for the dogs. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The court proceedings continue as the prosecution builds its case.