Artist Vincent Fantauzzo is facing more than $7,200 in fines, damages and court costs after his ‘Staffordshire Terrier type’ dog attacked another pup during an early morning walk.
Fantauzzo is one of Australia’s best-known artists who famously painted portraits of some of the country’s biggest icons – including actors Heath Ledger and Brandon Walters.
He also frequently paints his actress wife Asher Keddie, best known for her role in Offspring.
However, after the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria found him liable for the brutal dog attack, Fantauzzo admitted he hasn’t sold a single painting this year.
The artist’s legal struggles began when his dog Sandro, accompanied by Fantauzzo, lashed out at another dog,called Banjo, on the corner of Inkerman Street and St Kilda Road in St Kilda, Melbourne, at 6.40am on December 8, 2022.
The court heard Sandro ‘bit the leg of the other dog but did not hold on to it’, causing damage to Banjo’s leg, The Age reported.
Fantauzzo defended himself at an earlier hearing and contested the charges but was ultimately found to be liable for a dog attack causing serious injury and contravening an order to control a dog.
The artist was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $2,001.93 in compensation to Banjo’s owner and $4,206 of court costs.
A court has heard that artist Vincent Fantauzzo (pictured with his wife Asher Keddie) hasn’t sold a painting this year
Fantauzzo’s dog Sandro (pictured) attacked another dog in 2022, resulting in a court ordered payment of more than $7,200
Magistrate Mark Stratmann questioned if Fantauzzo would be able to pay the court after the court heard that he paid $1,800 per week in rent, private school tuition for his two children, a nanny and rent for an art studio.
‘Self-employed, I am an artist, I have an exhibition or two each year. My next exhibition is in November,’ Fantauzzo said.
‘I never really know what my financial condition will be until I have my exhibition.’
Magistrate Stratmann, who was not aware of Fantauzzo’s celebrity marriage, questioned if he had a partner who could support him while he pays the fees.
Fantauzzo (pictured with Keddie) was ordered to pay the outstanding money within 60 days
‘My wife also works, she is an actress. So her work’s kind of similar to mine, you know, job by job,’ Fantauzzo replied.
‘Each year is very different. So one year I could do well. This year I haven’t sold any paintings yet.’
A lawyer for Port Phillip Council told the court that it was important to send a message to dog owners that they need to better control their pets.
Fantauzzo was fined $1000 without conviction on top of $2001.93 compensation to Banjo’s owner and $4206 in court costs.
Fantauzzo was ordered to pay the $7207.93 within 60 days.
If he is unable to pay the amount before that deadline, he will be ordered to pay in installments.
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