After their much-loved cavoodle was badly injured in a dog attack, a Sydney couple is calling on pet owners to take greater responsibility for their animals.
Marcio Sanches and his wife, Bianca, had taken their two dogs to Reid Park in Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, on September 12.
The peaceful family walk turned frightening shortly after midday, when the couple said a brown kelpie charged at and attacked their five-year-old cavoodle, Luna.
According to the couple, the kelpie’s owner left straight after the incident without sharing his details or stopping to find out whether Luna needed help.
Worried that Luna’s right eye had been permanently damaged, the couple drove her to an emergency veterinary hospital, where she required immediate surgery.
Luna is recovering at home, but the treatment has left her owners facing a $3,000 veterinary bill.
The bill arrived during an especially difficult period for the family, with Mr Sanches currently unemployed and already dealing with rising living costs.
‘We’re just grateful that Luna suffered no damage to her vision, and that the worst is behind us,’ he told Our News Outlet.
Marcio Sanches and his wife were left facing a hefty veterinary bill after their cavoodle Luna was attacked on September 12
The Cremorne couple feared Luna had lost her sight during the terrifying attack
‘I prefer not to think about it, but it was very stressful and upsetting at the time.
‘We were freaking out and by the time we checked on Luna, the owner of the other dog was gone.’
The incident has since been reported to Mosman Council.
‘People need to show accountability and responsibility for their dogs’ actions,’ Mr Sanches said.
‘If a person was on the ground injured, would you not offer to help?’
Mr Sanches also delivered a strong message to the owner he says walked away after the attack.
‘It was an un-Australian thing to do. How would you feel if your dog was attacked?’ he said.
‘Be a decent person and do better.’
Marcio Sanches has reported the dog attack to Mosman Council
Luna is recovering at home after undergoing emergency surgery
Mosman Council urges all dog attack victims and witnesses to report the incident, regardless of whether or not an injury is caused to the person or animal.
The council has launched an investigation into last Saturday’s incident.
‘This will include seeking to obtain further information from the parties involved, appealing to any potential witnesses for information, and checking if any CCTV footage from the surrounding area is available,’ a spokesperson told Our News Outlet.
‘Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the evidence obtained, a range of enforcement actions may be available under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998.
‘These may include penalty notices for failing to maintain effective control of a dog and offences relating to an attack incident.
‘Council may also consider whether there are grounds to declare the dog menacing or dangerous, which would impose strict control requirements on how the dog is managed both in public and at its home property.
‘Any enforcement action will be determined following a full assessment of the evidence.’
During the 2025-26 reporting period, the council received 15 dog attack reports for investigation.
Following assessment of the evidence available, three penalty notices were issued for offences under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
The couple have no regrets about paying $3,000 for Luna’s emergency treatment
Luna was at Mosman’s Reid Park when she was attacked by a brown kelpie, where its owner allegedly left the scene shortly afterwards
The couple have no regrets about paying $3,000 for Luna’s emergency treatment.
‘Luna needed treatment immediately there was never a question that we would do whatever we could for her. She’s our family,’ Mr Sanches wrote on a fundraiser.
‘Asking for financial help is something we never imagined we would do.
‘Unfortunately, we are currently going through a period of genuine financial hardship.
‘I am out of work, and having a sudden $3,000 emergency expense has put us in an incredibly difficult position.
‘Luna is the most loving little soul. We just want to see her recover from this horrible attack, heal properly and get back to being the happy, beautiful girl we know and love.’
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