Maryborough’s Neil Goodyer fights off three dogs to save his pet

A Maryborough retiree has told of how he fought off three dogs as his tiny pet’s back was torn apart on a routine walk and the owner of attacking animals left the shocking scene before help arrived.

Sassy was being taken for a walk in Wharf St, Maryborough, when she was set upon by three dogs.

A Maryborough dog owner has been left traumatised and with a $2200 vet bill after three large dogs attacked his Sydney silky cross, leaving her with serious injuries.

Neil Goodyer, 74, said the attack happened on Wharf St about 8pm on Tuesday night.

The retiree was taking 10-year-old Sassy for her nightly walk when they were set upon by the three dogs.

Mr Goodyer carries a large torch to keep an eye on Sassy and for protection and immediately started using it to try to free Sassy from the attacking dogs.

“I didn’t see it coming, they were just on her,” he said.

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Mr Goodyer said the owner of the dogs had also joined the struggle, trying to get his dogs to stop attacking Sassy.

He said the dogs were about the size of labradors and were “aggressive looking mixed breed dogs”.

After Sassy was freed, she ran down the road, while the owner of the three dogs quickly left the scene, Mr Goodyer said.

Sassy’s lower back was ripped open after she was bitten by one of the dogs.

He was grateful for the assistance of bystanders, with two cars stopping and a fisherman running from the pontoon to provide assistance.

Neil Goodyer, 74, said the attack happened on Wharf St about 8pm on Tuesday night.

Sassy was taken to the vet for surgery and is expected to fully recover.

“It was just terrifying,” Mr Goodyer said, saying the attack would have last about 30 seconds.

“But I didn't feel terrified at the time – I was just trying to get those animals off her.”

Mr Goodyesr shared a post to Facebook in the hopes of tracking down the man with the dogs.

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“The dogs were one white, one medium brown and I think the third was brown and white,” he said.

“The owner was tall and strong build with a check wool jacket, but I did not get a good look at his face.

“If you see them I recommend picking up your dog and crossing the street.”

A report was made to the Fraser Coast Regional Council.