Artist Vincent Fantauzzo has been ordered to pay more than $7,200 in fines, damages and court costs after his dog, a Staffordshire terrier-type dog, attacked another pup during a morning walk.
Fantauzzo is one of Australia’s best-known artists, having painted portraits of some of the country’s greatest icons, including actors Heath Ledger and Brandon Walters.
He also regularly paints his actress wife Asher Keddie, who is best known for her role in Offspring.
After the Victoria Police Court found him liable for the brutal dog attack, Fantauzzo admitted he had not sold a single painting this year.
The artist’s legal battle began when his dog Sandro, accompanied by Fantauzzo, lunged at another dog, named Banjo, at 6.40am on December 8, 2022, on the corner of Inkerman Street and St Kilda Road in St Kilda, Melbourne.
The court heard that Sandro ‘bite the other dog’s leg but did not hold on’, causing damage to Banjo’s leg. The age reported.
Fantauzzo defended himself at an earlier hearing and contested the charges, but was ultimately found guilty of dog attack causing serious injury and violating a dog control order.
The artist was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $2,001.93 in damages to Banjo’s owner, and $4,206 in court costs.
A court has heard that artist Vincent Fantauzzo (pictured with his wife Asher Keddie) has not sold a single painting this year
Fantauzzo’s dog Sandro (pictured) attacked another dog in 2022, resulting in a court-ordered damages award of more than $7,200
Judge Mark Stratmann questioned whether Fantauzzo would be able to pay the fine after the court heard he paid $1,800 a week in rent, private school fees for his two children, a nanny and rent for an art studio.
“I’m self-employed, I’m an artist, I have an exhibition or two every year. My next exhibition is in November,” Fantauzzo said.
‘I never really know what my financial situation will be until I have my exhibition.’
Judge Stratmann, who was unaware of Fantauzzo’s celebrity marriage, questioned whether he had a partner who could support him while he paid the expenses.
Fantauzzo (pictured with Keddie) was ordered to pay the outstanding amount within 60 days
“My wife works too, she’s an actress. So her work is kind of similar to mine, you know, job by job,” Fantauzzo replied.
“Every year is very different. So one year I could do well. This year I haven’t sold any paintings yet.”
A Port Phillip City Council lawyer told the court it was important to send a message to dog owners that they need to keep better control of their pets.
Fantauzzo was fined $1,000 without conviction, in addition to $2,001.93 in restitution to be paid by Banjo’s owner and $4,206 in court costs.
Fantauzzo was ordered to pay the $7,207.93 claim within 60 days.
If he is unable to pay the amount within the specified period, he will be ordered to pay the amount in installments.