Dog refuses to budge as artless dognappers foiled at Neutral Bay

VANDALS have tried to steal him and they’ve painted his face green but Big Dog remains on guard at Neutral Bay on Sydney’s north shore.

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THE attempted kidnapping and abuse of the big yellow dog at Neutral Bay on Sydney’s north shore has outraged art lovers and prompted a police investigation.

The harmless dog, who wouldn’t bite anyone, is a 1.5m sculpture which has been standing guard for the last month outside Traffic Jam Galleries at Neutral Bay.

The dog — dubbed Big Dog — is one of the iconic sculptures by Sydney artists Gillie and Marc.

Ten days ago, a group of young men allegedly attempted to dognap Big Dog under the cover of darkness.

Gallery owner Rebecca Pierce said they damaged the dog’s shoulder and “took bits out of his nose’’.

Big Dog: embarrassed by his green face.

She believes the thieves were foiled because the 1.5m dog is heavy and was chained to the wall.

Then earlier this week, green paint was thrown all over the Big Dog’s face during the early hours of the morning.

“It’s so disappointing when people show a complete lack of regard for other people’s creativity and desecrate an artwork,’’ said Ms Pierce.

“Big Dog has given so much pleasure as it’s so visible in Neutral Bay and people see it from the bus or as they drive past.”

However, Ms Pierce said she was amazed by the flood of comments on social media about the attacks.

“People have been really angry or emotional about it,’’ she said.

One man commented “I’d like to spray paint the culprits’ house or car so they know what it’s like’’.

Another comment was “So sad, I love big dog, love all their work.’’

Artists Gillie and Marc Schattner and Weimaraner Indie in their studio in Alexandria. Picture: Craig Greenhill

Both incidents have been reported to police.

“The police have been very supportive and are treating it as an attempted theft and malicious damage,’’ said Ms Pierce.

Gillie and Marc are prominent artists who are renowned for their iconic sculptures of dog and human hybrids and there are plans for their sculptures to be placed in Columbus Circle in New York.

Traffic Jam Galleries is currently hosting an exhibition of their dog sculptures — having obtained exclusive rights on the northside to Gillie and Marc’s work. The sculptures range in height from 15cms to 41cms.

Meanwhile, Big Dog has been scrubbed, returned to his former glory and remains at his post.