A bridal boutique owner who sustained lifelong injuries from a violent dog attack will receive more than $100,000 in damages after a court upheld the initial decision. Mary Ioannidis, 55, was walking her 11-year-old Shih Tzu Lexi in Mortdale, Sydney, in April 2020 when a large greyhound Staffordshire bull terrier mauled her dog. Lexi's front left leg was completely severed and had to be amputated, while Ms Ioannidis suffered various lacerations and abrasions while trying to separate the animals.
Long-Term Consequences
Ms Ioannidis, a celebrated bridal and evening gown designer who has dressed numerous Australian celebrities for the Logies and other red carpet events, was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and remains traumatised by the attack six years on. The incident has limited her involvement in dressmaking, and she now only works at her boutique several days a week.
Legal Proceedings
Ms Ioannidis launched proceedings in the NSW District Court seeking damages under the Companion Animals Act against Melissa Carretero, the owner of the Staffordshire bull terrier cross. In July 2025, the NSW District Court awarded Ms Ioannidis $101,788.63 and ordered Carretero to pay the victim's legal costs, describing the incident as a violent and terrifying attack. Carretero lodged an appeal contesting the extent of Ms Ioannidis' psychiatric injuries and loss of earning capacity, which was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal on Tuesday.
Court Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld the primary judge's decision in favour of Ms Ioannidis. The judgment stated: The court held that the buffer for impairment of earning capacity awarded by His Honour more than adequately gave effect to the uncertainties reflected in the evidence, and the primary judge's assessment of non-economic loss and allowance for future treatment expenses were not erroneous. It added that the award of $35,000 for past and future loss of earning capacity was, if anything, conservative.
Victim's Reaction
Ms Ioannidis expressed relief: I am pleased to have this case behind me so I can move forward with my life. This was never about compensation, and at all times was about accountability. Brittany Vella, senior associate at Shine Lawyers, said: We are proud to have stood beside Mary in her fight for justice. Today's outcome acknowledges the seriousness of what she endured and the life-altering consequences she has lived with.
Details of the Attack
The court previously heard how the unrestrained staffy terrier ran towards Lexi and was throwing her from side to side as Ms Ioannidis tried desperately to pull her away. Lexi's paw was ripped off at the joint, and Ms Ioannidis was bitten on the neck, chin, arm, and legs. Photos from the aftermath showed Ms Ioannidis covered in blood. She told the court: He kept running back and launching at me and he just kept attacking, and he just didn't stop. He didn't stop, and I was falling over and trying to get on my feet. Lexi died in September 2024 from unknown causes.
Broader Context
Mary Ioannidis Boutique in Sydney's inner-west regularly dresses celebrities such as singer Samantha Jade, Real Housewives of Sydney star Nicole O'Neil, and various sporting WAGs for red carpet events. According to Shine Lawyers, around 4,000 Australians are hospitalised each year for dog-related injuries. Ms Vella noted: The statistics are alarmingly high and what many people don't realise is that victims of dog attacks have a right to seek compensation for their injuries.
