Artist Vincent Fantauzzo faces more than $7,200 in fines, damages and court costs after his “Staffordshire Terrier-type” dog attacked another pup during a morning walk.
Fantauzzo is one of Australia’s best-known artists, famous for painting portraits of some of the country’s biggest icons, including actors Heath Ledger and Brandon Walters.
He also frequently paints his wife, actress Asher Keddie, best known for her role in Offspring.
However, after the Victorian Magistrates Court found him responsible for the brutal dog attack, Fantauzzo admitted he has not sold a single painting this year.
The artist’s legal struggles began when his dog Sandro, accompanied by Fantauzzo, attacked another dog, named Banjo, on the corner of Inkerman Street and St Kilda Road in St Kilda, Melbourne, at 6.40am on 8 December 2022.
The court heard Sandro “bit the other dog’s paw but did not hold it”, causing damage to Banjo’s paw. Age reported.
Fantauzzo defended himself at an earlier hearing and contested the charges, but was ultimately found liable for a dog attack causing serious injury and contravening a dog control order.
The artist was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $2,001.93 in compensation 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 painting this year.
Fantauzzo’s dog, Sandro (pictured), attacked another dog in 2022, resulting in a court-ordered payout of more than $7,200
Magistrate Mark Stratmann questioned whether Fantauzzo would be able to pay the court after hearing she paid $1,800 a week in rent, private school tuition for her two children, a nanny and rent for an art studio.
“I am an artist and I work on my own. I have one or two exhibitions every year. The next one will be in November,” explains Fantauzzo.
“I never really know what my financial situation will be until I have my exposure.”
Judge Stratmann, who was unaware of Fantauzzo’s notorious marriage, questioned whether he had a partner who could support him while he paid his fees.
Fantauzzo (pictured with Keddie) was ordered to pay the outstanding money within 60 days.
“My wife also works, she’s an actress. So her job is similar to mine, job by job,” Fantauzzo replied.
“Every year is very different. One year I might do well, but this year I still haven’t sold a single painting.”
A lawyer for Port Phillip City Council told the court it was important to send a message to dog owners that they needed to better control their pets.
Fantauzzo was fined $1,000 without conviction, plus $2,001.93 in compensation to Banjo’s owner and $4,206 in court costs.
Fantauzzo was ordered to pay $7,207.93 within 60 days.
If you are unable to pay the amount by that deadline, you will be ordered to pay it in installments.
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