Cowra dog attack: Brandon O’Hanlon released on bail after son Jyedon Pollard dies

The father of a toddler who was killed in a horror dog attack in Cowra has been released from prison after serious concerns were raised for his welfare.

The father of a little boy killed in a horror dog attack has been released on bail after being closely monitored for self-harm following the news of his son’s death.

Jyedon Pollard, 2, was living with his mum Kesha and sisters in a Cowra motel when two resident dogs – a rottweiler and a cattle dog – attacked him on Tuesday.

The dogs savaged the little boy, before Matt McIllhatton, owner of the Country Gardens Inn, was able to drag him from the dog pen.

The animals bit Jyedon’s little face and neck before he died as a result of his injuries.

Jyedon’s dad Brayden O’Hanlon was in custody when he learnt of the dog attack.

He was put under the supervision of prison staff, who feared he may self-harm following the news.

Jyedon Pollard. Picture: Supplied

Jyedon Pollard. Picture: Supplied

O’Hanlon made an urgent bid for bail in Griffith Local Court on Friday, where his lawyer told the court of his distress following the death of his son.

Based on the tragic circumstances, Magistrate Trevor Khan granted bail, imposing a strict curfew, and ordering he live in Cowra.

O’Hanlon had been charged with several offences, including aggravated break-and-enter, assault and larceny.

The dogs which attacked Jyedon were seized by council rangers after the incident and held at a local pound while police investigated the tragedy.

Brayden O'Hanlon and Kesha Pollard, parents of Jyedon Pollard, after the birth of their first child, Tahaleaha. Picture: Facebook

The two dogs were euthanised by Cowra Council rangers on Wednesday.

No charges have been laid and police have said that is too early in the investigation to say if any will be pursued.

A traumatised motel staff member said Mr McIllhatton’s dogs were always friendly, and had played nicely with Jyedon and his sisters just the day before the deadly attack.

“Matt heard them going berserk and ran out … he seen it (the attack) first,” the staff member said. Police said they were investigating whether Jyedon had gone into an enclosed area where the dogs had been secured.

The child’s mother Kesha Pollard had been living at the motel with her three children for a few weeks while she waited for permanent accommodation to become available through the NSW Department of Housing.

Detectives at the scene at the motel on Tuesday. Picture: TNV

Witnesses said Mr McIllhatton scooped up the dying boy in a towel and rushed him to Cowra Hospital in his own car, while Ms Pollard nursed him, because it was quicker than waiting for an ambulance.

Jyedon was flown to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead but died from his injuries later that day.

Friends said Ms Pollard was a beautiful mum who adored her kids, and had a soft spot for her only boy.

NSW Police superintendent Bob Noble said of the attack: “It is an extremely unfortunate set of circumstances that led to this tragedy and it was a superhuman effort to try to save his life.

“Everyone is devastated, when a child so young dies in such terrible fashion, it’s upsetting to a lot of people.”