Asher Keddie’s artist husband Vince Fantauzzo in court over dog attack

Award-winning artist Vincent Fantauzzo’s inability to control his dog on an early morning walk has cost him thousands of dollars.

Sandro, the American Staffordshire Terrier, began ‘scrapping’ with another dog at St Kilda Rd junction. Picture: Instagram

The award-winning artist husband of Aussie TV star Asher Keddie has been ordered to pay more than $7000 over a vicious dog attack.

Vincent Fantauzzo, 47, fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday after he was charged by the City of Port Phillip for failing to keep his American Staffordshire Terrier, Sandro, under control in a public place.

The court heard he was walking his beloved pet when they crossed paths with a woman walking her dog, Banjo, at the Inkerman St and St Kilda Rd junction in St Kilda at 6.40am on December 8, 2022.

The two dogs began “scrapping” with Sandro biting Banjo on the rear leg, causing a laceration that required vet treatment.

Award-winning artist Vincent Fantauzzo with his actor wife, Asher Keddie. Picture: AAP

Fantauzzo admitted his dog had bit the other dog, but denied Sandro was off leash at the time.

At a contested hearing in June, he argued whether the injury sustained by the other dog could be deemed serious.

He added that Sandro was also bitten on the face during the attack.

But magistrate Mark Stratman on Wednesday found the renowned portrait artist guilty of being a person in control of a dog when it attacked another animal, causing serious injury.

He also found him guilty of failing to keep Sandro under effective control while on a leash in a public place.

Fantauzzo, who appeared in court via videolink, provided a glimpse into the high-flying life he shares with Keddie when the magistrate asked him what his means were to pay a fine.

“I’m self employed — I’m an artist,” he said, before adding his income varied year-to-year.

“It’s very different this year, I haven’t sold any paintings yet.”

The couple was forced to cough up over Sandro’s scrap. Picture: Instagram

But he did have an exhibition coming up in November, he said.

“Are you paying a mortgage?” Mr Stratman asked.

“No, I’m renting,” Fantauzzo replied, confirming he paid $1800 per week.

Asked if he had a partner, he said: “Yes, my wife also works. She is an actress.”

But he said he had “quite a few” outgoings including two children in private school, rent for an art studio, and “I have a nanny that I need to help with the kids”.

Mr Stratman fined Fantauzzo $1000, but did not mark a conviction against his name.

He also ordered he pay the victim’s $2001.93 vet bill and City of Port Phillip’s $4206 legal costs.

The council made no order for Sandro to be destroyed or declared a dangerous dog.

Fantauzzo married Keddie, best known for her role as Dr Nina Proudman in TV series Offspring, in 2014 and they share a son together. He has another son to his previous marriage.

He has won the Archibald People’s Choice Award four times, including in 2008 for Heath, a portrait of Heath Ledger, and in 2013 for Love Face, a painting of Keddie.

He is also a two-time winner of the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize.