Bella the Poodle Returns Home as Daniel Galea Faces 14 Charges

Bella, a toy poodle injured in an alleged attack at Toukley foreshore, returned home from a veterinary clinic on October 2, her owner told ABC Central Coast. Daniel Galea, 44, faces 14 charges following the September 29 incident, including aggravated animal cruelty and robbery.

ABC identifies the owner as Tania Gorry. Its Friday afternoon report says Bella underwent surgery for a fractured jaw and an eye hematoma, spent three days in intensive care and was being fed through a tube during her recovery. Gorry expected the veterinary bill to exceed A$18,000.

Bella’s recovery is the latest development

The morning NSW Police release said the three year old dog remained in intensive care. ABC’s later interview reported that she had been discharged that morning. The return home is the newer account; neither source establishes that her recovery is complete.

What police allege happened at the foreshore

Police say officers were called at about 10 a.m. on September 29 after a stranger allegedly took the dog from a woman and locked himself and the animal inside a vehicle. Officers allege he seriously injured the dog and ignored their directions.

Officers broke the front windows and used Tasers and pepper spray to arrest him, according to NSW Police. Four officers went to hospital for cuts to their hands and arms. Police also reported injuries to the dog’s owner.

The 14 charges cover several alleged acts. Alongside robbery and aggravated animal cruelty, police list four counts of resisting or hindering officers, four of assaulting officers, and charges involving attempted drug impaired driving, a prohibited weapon, property damage and bail.

ABC reported an October 2 bail hearing and a planned mental health assessment. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the reports reviewed do not record a conviction.

How we reported this: We compared the police release with ABC’s later interview with Bella’s owner. The later report supplies her name and recovery update. We have not interviewed the owner or reviewed veterinary records.