Cowra dog attack: Jyedon Pollard rushed to hospital by motel boss after Rottweiler, cattle dog bite
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The devastated owner of the motel where a two-year-old boy was brutally mauled to death by murderous dogs can barely handle the horror of the attack and admits that “it’s all too much.”
Jyedon Pollard was attacked just after 10 a.m. Tuesday by a Rottweiler and a cattle dog in front of his mother, Kesha, and his two sisters at the Country Gardens Motor Inn in Cowra, in central west NSW.
The animals attacked Jyedon’s face and neck, causing fatal injuries before he was dragged away by motel owner Matt McIIIhatton.
Mr McIllhatton wrapped the dying toddler in a blood-soaked blanket and rushed him to hospital with the boy’s distraught mother, police have revealed.
The distraught family of Jyedon Pollard, 2, (pictured) who was brutally mauled by a pair of killer dogs in a motel, was already reeling from two previous tragedies
Devastated motel owner Mat McIllhatton wrapped the dying toddler in a blood-soaked blanket and rushed him to the hospital with the boy’s distraught mother, police revealed
The toddler arrived at Cowra Hospital in critical condition and was then flown to Westmead Hospital in Sydney, where he died on Tuesday afternoon.
On Wednesday, Mr McIllhatton tried to help police and city investigators uncover the details of the tragedy, but admitted it was overwhelming.
He told Daily Mail Australia: ‘Sorry… It’s all too much.’
The dogs that killed the boy were often spotted around the property, but seemed “friendly,” according to neighbors.
Police are now investigating claims that Jyedon was playing with them in a locked room when they suddenly attacked without warning.
The toddler was attacked on Tuesday by a Rottweiler and cattle dog in front of his mother Kesha and his two sisters at the Country Gardens Motor Inn in Cowra, midwestern NSW.
Police have sealed off parts of the motel as a crime scene as they investigate the tragedy, but revealed there were no witnesses when the attack took place at the back of the motel
Police are now investigating claims that Jyedon was playing with them in a locked room when they suddenly attacked without warning (pictured, an area at the back of the motel with dog beds and food bowls)
Police revealed there were no witnesses as the attack took place at the back of the motel (pictured, an area at the back of the motel with dog beds and food bowls)
A local told Nine news: ‘I saw the children screaming.
“I looked out the window across the road and I saw a man carrying a small child who was absolutely screaming and people were panicking.”
Police have sealed off parts of the motel as a crime scene as they investigate the tragedy.
But there were no witnesses to the attack, as it took place at the back of the motel.
“The two dogs have been secured in a yard and what led to the attack will be investigated,” Chifley Police Commissioner Bob Noble said.
“It is an extremely unfortunate set of circumstances that led to this tragedy and it was a superhuman effort to save his life.
“It would be a terrible situation to face, but he acted very bravely and very concisely.
“Everyone is devastated when such a young child dies in such a horrible way. It is disturbing for many people.’
On Wednesday morning, locals left a teddy bear wearing a Santa hat and two bouquets of flowers at the base of a tree outside the motel on Cowra’s Grenfell Rd.
On Wednesday morning, locals left a teddy bear wearing a Santa hat and two bouquets of flowers at the base of a tree outside the motel on Cowra’s Grenfell Rd
Devastated motel owner Matt McIllhatton where Jyedon Pollard, 2, was brutally mauled by killer dogs, can barely handle the horror of the attack.
It is the third heartbreak that affects the family. Jyedon’s mother is still mourning the loss of her Aunt Neen last year and another family member mourning the loss of her own young son.
Mrs. Pollard temporarily lived at the motel with Jyedon and her two daughters, Aaliyah (9) and Tahaleaha (5), while they waited to move into a new home.
The family recently lived in a housing commission home in Cowra, which was hit by devastating flooding last week.
Ms Pollard mourned her aunt’s death in May 2021 in a touching Facebook post: ‘My life will never be the same without all the coffee we had that I will cherish forever.
‘You were my rock. I promise Aunt No that I’ll be eternally grateful to you for everything you’ve taught me.
“Fly high my princess, you may be gone, but you will always be here with me no matter what. I miss you very much.’
Family member Amanda Jayne Scott still mourns the loss of her own young son
Amanda Jayne Scott, a relative of Mrs Pollard, paid tribute to Jyedon on Facebook, revealing that she still mourns the loss of her own young son, but warned of the dangers of unpredictable dogs.
“I’m so upset and angry – the poor parents,” said relative Amanda Jayne Scott. “This little boy was my son-in-law’s cousin.
‘RIP little man. My son is in heaven too and I’m sure he will greet you with his Tonka truck.”
She added on Facebook: ‘It’s a dark day in Cowra today. What heartbreaking news if we lose one of Cowra’s babies.
Amanda Jayne Scott revealed the family’s shock over the deadly attack on Jyedon on Facebook
“I am beyond angry that people continue to own these powerful dog breeds and allow them around children.”
A grieving family member said the children had played with the dogs several times without incident and did not consider them a threat.
Neighbors said the dogs lived on the property and appeared docile.
“The dogs seemed friendly,” neighbor Gerard told the Daily Mail Australia. “They were always nearby. I can’t believe this happened.
“It’s very shocking. Very sad.’
A grieving family member said the children had repeatedly played with the Rottweiler (stock photo) and the cattle dog without incident and did not consider them a threat
Local Amy brought a young girl and boy to the motel to leave their own tribute to the tragic toddler.
“We don’t know the family personally, but we saw a message on Facebook urging people to drop off hugs and flowers,” she said.
“It’s so heartbreaking.”
A family member described it as an “extraordinary attack” that happened “for no known reason.”
“He is the most precious and beautiful boy, no one can believe it happened to him,” they said.
Two family friends, Takeia Whiting and Caitlin Makepeace, now have a GoFundMe page to help the family and pay for funeral arrangements, which has raised over $5,000 in a few hours.
“We’ve taken it upon ourselves to start a GoFundMe page to help with any upcoming expenses and to support Jyedon’s family,” they post.
Police are now investigating how Jyedon allegedly ended up in the dog area
“Such a tragic loss, our city will mourn forever.”
Tributes flooded Ms Pollard’s social media after news of the boy’s death filtered through the tight-knit community.
“I send love and prayers to all your family,” wrote one. ‘Such a terrible tragedy, a beautiful soul taken way too soon. RIP little man.’
“Thinking of you and your family,” one wrote. Another said ‘OMG I’m so sorry’.
Others wrote: “My condolences to the family” and “Fly high my friend.”
The investigation into the incident continues and a report will be prepared for the coroner
Detectives set up a crime scene and cordoned off the area with tape, but no charges have been filed.
Cowra Shire Council said their investigation is continuing.