Olivia D’Accione is mourning the loss of her 10-month-old dog Enzo after he was brutally mauled by two off-leash dogs.
D’Accione was walking Enzo alongside a friend on February 18 around Ernie Jurd Oval in Largs, Maitland, near Hunter Valley in New South Wales, when an American Bull Terrier and an American Staffordshire Terrier approached from behind and attacked.
Both D’Accione and Enzo were left injured and the pooch was rushed to the vet.
D’Accione was left with bites on her arm and leg, however Enzo suffered the worst of the attack.
He was tragically put down as his injuries were too severe.
“Unfortunately my sister had to make a heartbreaking decision, and that was to take Enzo’s pain away,” her sister Loredena said.
“Her baby sacrificed his life to prevent further pups or even young children from being the next victim of these vicious dog attacks.
“They were the best of friends. He loved everyone and had such a beautiful soul.
“A beautiful soul that was taken away from us too very soon.”
D’Accione has been left distraught and her family set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for the medical bills.
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A Maitland City Council spokesperson confirmed to 9news.com.au the Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier were euthanised following the incident.
The council said dogs in public areas must always be restrained by a leash.
“The two attacking dogs were promptly secured at the Maitland Animal Management Facility while an investigation was conducted, after which both dogs were euthanised due to the unprovoked nature of the attack and the severity of the injuries caused to the victim’s dog,” the spokesperson said..
“According to the Companion Animals Act 1998, all dogs in public areas must be under effective control by a means of chain, leash, or cord, and under the supervision of a person aged 16 or older.
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“Furthermore, Ernie Jurd Oval is a prohibited area for dogs, regardless of whether they are under control via a leash or not.”
D’Accione is now facing the tough reality of life without her beloved Enzo.
“It won’t be an easy journey for her moving forward having to witness this and the trauma she faced and not being able to save her baby,” her sister added.
“He was and is her hero.”
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