Crystal Brook stabbing: Sean Ferris’ mate says Buddy the husky is ‘no threat’

The dog at the centre of a horrific attack on police in SA’s Mid-North is not the menace he’s been made out to be, says the man now caring for him.

The dog at the centre of Wednesday’s fatal police shooting after a stabbing attack at Crystal Brook is safe and well, according to a friend of the attacker, who says claims the animal is aggressive are wrong.

Sean Ferris was killed by police at his Crystal Brook home on Wednesday after attacking two officers and leaving one with life-threatening injuries. The other has now been discharged from hospital.

Buddy is now being cared for by Mr Ferris’ closest friend David Wallace who took the dog in following Wednesday’s deadly incident.

Mr Wallace said Buddy was just a big white fluffy dog and no threat to anyone.

“He’s not aggressive at all. Everyone knows Sean and everyone knows the dog, they know it’s friendly,” he said.

David Wallace, friend of Sean Ferris, with Buddy outside his Crystal Brook house. Picture: Brenton Edwards

David Wallace said Buddy was no threat to anyone. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“He is quite loud, it hurts your ears, it’s annoying, but it’s not illegal to have a loud dog.”

As Mr Wallace petted and kissed Buddy, he said this whole situation could have been avoided if people stopped harassing Mr Ferris.

Mr Wallace said arrangements would most likely be made to return Buddy to Mr Ferris’ family.

“I’m waiting to hear from them, I think they’re interested in keeping him,” he said.

“I’d be willing to keep him, I know the dog, we see Sean every day.”

The best mate of Sean Ferris the man who was shot dead after stabbing two Police officers, has leapt to his defence, saying this “shouldn’t have happened over his dog Buddy”[e-mail]/qfHbicJMX0

— Hannah Foord (@HannahFoord7) May 4, 2023

Mr Wallace said the dog “knew something was up” after Wednesday violence.

“He stayed with me last night and he was OK, but he’s with Sean every day so that’s who he’s looking for right now,” Mr Wallace said.

Brevet sergeants Ian Todd, 53 and Jordan Allely, 32, visited Ferris after a disturbance a day earlier over his Buddy, during which he shouted at locals outside a Crystal Brook store.

Ferris’ behaviour had become more erratic during past weeks because of ongoing disputes with locals over his husky Buddy.

One shop owner said the dog was “very aggressive, both in his front yard and when it was tied up out the front of shops in the main street.”

Another said Ferris “used the dog to intimidate people”.

When the officers attended his home, he stabbed Sgt Todd in the neck and was shot but managed to still stab Sgt Allely.

Police outside Sean Ferris’ home after the two police officers were stabbed and he was shot. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Ferris was then shot again, before the attacker moved back inside his home and died.

The Advertiser can reveal a town resident is caring for Buddy, and the dog was not injured in Wednesday’s bloodied incident.

Police also confirmed the husky was alive and well and escaped injury.

Buddy is staying with his friend David Wallace at a residence close to Mr Ferris’ property, however it is unclear where he will reside long-term.

On Thursday, Police Minister Joe Szakacs said he had been in contact with the officers and their families.

“I can’t begin to imagine the anxiety and stress their families are going through,” he said at a press conference.

“The entire public of South Australia is with them and stands beside them.”

He said Sgt Todd remained in very serious condition.