Man allegedly seen blowing ‘dog whistle’ after woman, pet mauled at Boggy Well Creek

A twist has emerged in the horrific mauling of a pet pooch and his owner, who were chased into a muddy river by two large, aggressive dogs.

Two dogs who chased a woman and her pet into a muddy river in Sydney’s south reportedly stopped after a man walking them blew a “dog whistle”, bringing them to heel before vanishing.

Elle Booth and her Jack Russell cross Cattle Dog, Indi, were attacked by the two Irish wolfhounds at Boggy Well Creek in Lugarno about 9am on Sunday.

The pair fled into the Georges River – Ms Booth forced to stand neck deep in mud with her beloved pooch held above her head in a bid to protect Indi during the vicious attack.

Indi tragically died during later surgery, after suffering three heart attacks.

Elle Booth ran into Georges River to try and escape the two dogs. Picture: 9 News

Details in a GoFundMe have unveiled disturbing allegations surrounding the attack, claiming a man was seen walking the dogs which attacked Ms Booth and Indi.

“(They) both immediately began stalking Indi, becoming quite aggressive, hounding and nipping at her,” the GoFundMe, set up by family friends Sam Carmichael and Tess Hutchinson, reads.

“From the shore, the man walking the dogs blew a dog whistle he had on him, causing the dogs to pause.

“Elle took the opportunity to move a little further out, as she desperately tried to shield her companion from further harm.”

The GoFundMe description claims Ms Booth turned back around but the man was “nowhere to be seen”.

“Elle, now stuck in the mud, holding her beloved Indi was alone; alone with these two, relentless dogs who were continuing to circle Elle and Indi,” the description continues.

A police helicopter was called in to assist in the dramatic rescue of Ms Booth and Indi after they became stuck in the muddy river.

Elle Booth was bitten after she tried to protect her dog Indi from being attacked by the two larger dogs. Picture: 9 News

“She sought refuge in the Georges River to escape (the) two large dogs,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

“Police were told the two large dogs had attacked the woman’s dog and then attacked her when she attempted to protect her dog.”

Despite efforts by police to subdue the two dogs, they remained aggressive.

Officers were then forced to pepper spray the dogs, after which they left the area.

On Tuesday, Georges River Council made an appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or who has photos or video that could help its investigation to come forward.

“Community members can email the details, any photos or video and their contact

details to [e-mail]. Please mention Lugarno Dog Incident in the

subject line,” the Council said in a statement.

“This investigation will be conducted in order to obtain evidence as to potential

breaches of the Companion Animals Act 1998. The investigation will be guided by the

evidence required to prove the various offences that may have been committed during

the incident.”

The beloved Jack Russell, Indi, has died during surgery. Picture: Supplied

Mr Carmichael on Monday confirmed the “brave little pup” had died during surgery after suffering three heart attacks.

“She fought until the very end and was such an incredibly brave little pup who will forever be loved by many,” Mr Carmichael said in the GoFundMe update.

More than $25,000 had been donated to the fundraiser, which was initially launched to help pay for Indi’s vet bills and Ms Booth’s recovery.

“The donations will be used to pay for Indi’s outstanding vet bills and any amount raised over will be donated to Veterinary Specialists of Sydney (VSOS) who worked so tirelessly and hard to save little Indi,” Mr Carmichael said.

“We want to say a huge thank you to each and everyone of you who have donated, sent kind words and had both Elle and Indi in their thoughts over the last couple of days.”

Ms Booth was taken to hospital in a “serious but stable condition”, while Indi was taken to the vet for emergency treatment.

Her husband, Tom Dale, shared on social media that his wife had surgery on her hands and forearm.

Elle Booth was attacked by two the two aggressive dogs on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

“She has a whole lot of bites from defending Indi,” he stated.

“A fairly harrowing episode, being attacked for about 25 (minutes) after following Indi into the mangrove mud.

“Elle is brave as hell and I’m so proud of her.”

Family friend Tess Hutchinson said in the GoFundMe that Ms Booth’s ordeal was a horrifying moment no pet owner wanted to ever experience.

Ms Hutchinson said the two Irish wolfhounds began stalking Indi and were “quite aggressive, hounding and nipping at her” as they chased her into the mangroves.

“Indi, overwhelmed with fear, darted towards the river in a desperate attempt to escape the relentless assault,” she said.

“Indi was forced beyond the mangroves and into the mudflats beyond.

“The larger dogs caught Indi once again, pinning her under the mud for a period.

“With no hesitation, Elle charged after Indi, into the mangroves, her own safety abandoned in her unwavering determination to save her loyal companion.”

Tom Dale has lost his beloved dog Indi (pictured) after she was mauled by two Irish wolfhounds. Picture: Supplied

In what was meant to be a regular Sunday morning walk, the nightmare continued as Ms Booth tried to keep the savage dogs at bay.

“In a heroic act, Elle managed to pull Indi from the clutches of the attacking dog but not without sustaining severe injuries herself,” Ms Hutchinson said.

“From the shore, the man walking the dogs blew a dog whistle he had on him, causing the dogs to pause.

“Elle, now stuck in the mud, holding her beloved Indi was alone; alone with these two, relentless dogs who were continuing to circle Elle and Indi.

“For 20 minutes, Elle stood in neck deep mud holding Indi above, trying to clear Indi’s airway of mud and continuing to hold the larger dogs off.”

The dogs were seized at a nearby home later that day. Picture: 9 News

A Georges River Council spokeswoman confirmed the attack was under investigation by staff on Monday.

“We can confirm council staff worked with police on the day to locate and seize the dogs and will continue to work with police during the investigation,” the spokeswoman said.

“As this matter is now under investigation, council is not in a position to make further comment.”

The spokeswoman urged dog owners to follow safety guidelines when using public spaces.

“Residents are reminded to exercise responsible pet ownership to ensure the safety of our community and the wellbeing and safety of their pets by always walking their dog on a leash, unless in an authorised off-leash area,” she said.

“Georges River Council acknowledges incidents of this nature are very upsetting for everyone in our community.”

The council on Tuesday said there was no timeframe that could be given for the length of the investigation.