Sylvia Giahtsidis fined by court after her dog mauled Adelaide Hotel oval pup, Charli, to death

The owner of the killer dog that brutally mauled Adelaide Oval Hotel’s resident pup gave council officers a fake alibi, a court has heard.

The owner of the dog that attacked and killed Adelaide Oval Hotel’s resident pup Charli has been fined and convicted.

Sylvia Giahtsidis, 44, did not appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday but the court heard she was “very embarrassed” over the incident.

Stephen Ey, for Giahtsidis, of Hampstead Gardens, entered a guilty plea on his client’s behalf to being the owner of a dog that attacked another animal.

Paul Kelly, for Port Adelaide Enfield Council, said Charli – a five-month-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel – was on a walk with one of her carers at Hampstead Gardens on October 21.

Charli was mauled to death by Sylvia Giahtsidis’ dog on October 21. Photo: NCA NewsWire/Kelly Barnes

Charli’s carer saw Giahtsidis and her two children walking their dog, an American Staffordshire terrier, which pulled away and ran across the road towards them.

“The dog launched itself at them … and bit (Charli) on the lower abdomen, locking its jaw and shaking the victim’s dog,” Mr Kelly said.

The court heard Giahtsidis and her son ran over to help and managed to release their dog from Charli.

Charli, who suffered eight puncture wounds and injuries to her stomach and intestines, was rushed to a nearby vet. She succumbed to her injuries.

Charli was only five months old when she died from a brutal dog attack. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Kelly Barnes

The court heard Giahtsidis’ dog was seized and euthanised on January 19.

The killer dog (not pictured) was an American Staffordshire terrier. Photo: File

Despite receiving a destruction order from the council about her dog, Giahtsidis made no contact with the council.

Mr Kelly told the court Giahtsidis showed little remorse for the tragic incident.

“On multiple occasions she lied to the council office in relation to the attack. It was a blatant denial,” he said.

The court heard Giahtsidis had given a fake alibi, which the council investigated and CCTV confirmed she was not at that location she claimed.

Mr Ey told the court Giahtsidis, who is a kitchenhand, lied to the council out of panic.

“This is a very sad accident that caused grief and trauma both to the custodians of the dog that died and it certainly caused grief to my client,” Mr Ey said.

“She is extremely embarrassed by this and it was an accident.”

Magistrate Stefan Metanomski fined Giahtsidis $500 and costs of $1500 were awarded to the council. A conviction was recorded.

A Port Adelaide Enfield Council spokesman said people should feel comfortable walking their dogs without fear.

“Incidents like this are deeply saddening for all involved, including our officers who investigate the cases, however, we are pleased with today’s outcome in court which will hopefully provide some closure for those affected by this incident,” the spokesman said.

“All members of the public are encouraged to report all dog attacks to their local council immediately to allow officers to undertake an investigation.”

Originally published as Sylvia Giahtsidis fined by court after her dog mauled Adelaide Hotel oval pup, Charli, to death