1. Jyedon Pollard death Cowra dog attack
2. Cowra dog attack inquest evidence.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Family members of the toddler gathered outside the Lidcombe Coroner’s Court to participate in a smoking ceremony, marking the commencement of the inquest into the devastating loss of Jyedon Pollard.
Jyedon, aged two, tragically passed away on November 8, 2022, after sustaining severe facial and neck injuries in a brutal dog attack at a motel in Cowra, located in the Central West region of New South Wales.
In a poignant statement outside the court, Jyedon’s mother, whose identity remains protected by law, expressed her hope for justice for her son, vowing to keep his memory alive.
Speaking emotionally, she stated, “I will continue to fight for Jyedon’s justice for as long as I live. I want the community to remember him not as a victim but as a cherished individual.”
“I want his legacy to be one of love and remembrance,” she added.
Inside the courtroom, a picture of the smiling toddler was placed on display by his grieving family members.
During the opening statements, Counsel Assisting the Coroner, David Kell, highlighted Jyedon’s endearing nature, describing him as “dearly loved by his family and affectionately known as ‘little fella’.”
The inquest aims to uncover any potential lapses in responsibility by individuals or organisations that could have potentially prevented the tragic incident.
Commencement of the Inquest
According to court testimony, on the fateful days of November 7 and 8, 2022, Jyedon and his mother were residing at a motel in Cowra, arranged by the housing division of the NSW Department of Community and Justice [DCJ].
The accommodation was designated as emergency housing, commonly referred to as a “TA” placement within the department.
The motel’s proprietor owned two dogs, a Rottweiler, and a female red heeler crossbreed.
CCTV footage captured the two-year-old exploring the premises, testing the latches on the swimming pool and a dog enclosure near the office, which he managed to open effortlessly.
“Jyedon, at just two years old, appeared to have little trouble unlatching the enclosure,” Mr Kell remarked.
The court heard that Jyedon was out of sight of his mother and off-camera when the Rottweiler and possibly the second dog attacked him.
Although the attack was not witnessed or recorded on CCTV, DNA evidence consistent with Jyedon’s contact with the latch was discovered.
The owner of the dogs later informed the authorities that he “noticed the dogs were loose… and upon closer inspection, I saw something on the ground.”
“It was a young boy with significant blood loss and a neck wound, with my dog beside him. I immediately called for an ambulance,” he recounted.
The child was initially taken to the Cowra hospital and subsequently airlifted to the Westmead Children’s Hospital.
Rapid Sequence of Events
Detailing the swift chain of events, Mr Kell stressed that “everything unfolded very rapidly.”
“Tragically, his life could not be saved,” he lamented.
Forensic pathologists determined that Jyedon’s cause of death stemmed from “penetrating injuries to the head and neck inflicted by multiple dog bites.”
Both dogs involved in the attack were euthanised later that day.
Authorities had no prior reports of aggressive behaviour by the dogs; however, a neighbour’s pet required veterinary care following an altercation with the Rottweiler in March 2022.
Queries Surrounding Accommodation
Mr Kell highlighted concerns regarding the Department of Community and Justice’s oversight of TA accommodations, stressing that safety aspects were the responsibility of the commercial operators rather than the department.
The motel where the tragic incident occurred underwent a suitability assessment in December 2021; however, the evaluation did not encompass safety considerations, as departmental staff lacked the requisite training.
There is a lack of documentation regarding the approval of the motel as a TA provider, with departmental officials unable to furnish any records to the court.
Mr Kell also raised concerns regarding the presence of animals at TA sites, highlighting the necessity for occupants to be informed of potential risks.
“It remains unclear whether guests at the motel were made aware of the dogs and the associated risks,” he remarked.
In testimony provided to the inquest, Senior Constable Stuart Tydd confirmed that the police investigation into the incident remains ongoing and open.
“The investigation is still active and far from concluded,” he stated.
Family Statement
A heartfelt statement from the family was read out in court by one of Jyedon’s relatives, condemning the presence of dogs in a hospitality setting.
“His final moments were filled with terror and agony; he was vulnerable and defenseless,” the statement read.
“I am haunted by the knowledge that his last conscious thoughts were of fear.”
The inquest has been adjourned until final submissions are made.
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– Jyedon Pollard death Cowra dog attack
– Jyedon Pollard inquest death Cowra dog attack.
