The sister of a man brutally mauled by his pet bull terrier has welcomed "thoughtful" recommendations strengthening laws and introducing dog licences aimed at preventing future tragedies.
Colin Amatto was a proud Yuin man who was violently set upon by his six-year-old male Staffordshire bull terrier Boof on January 24, 2019 at his home in Tregear in Sydney's west.
Suffering more than 80 bite wounds, the 40-year-old remained unresponsive for over a month of hospital treatment, including the amputation of his arm, before life support was turned off on March 1.
Seeking answers at an inquest, his family asked why Boof had not been euthanised 18 months before, after attacking 65-year-old property agent and trespasser Barry Grant in July 2017.
Coroner Carmel Forbes on Wednesday called the attack on Mr Grant a "red flag" that Boof was dangerous and could attack someone else.
While Penrith City Council seized the dog after Mr Grant was rescued, it released the animal because officers considered the attack on the 65-year-old trespasser might have been reasonable, the coroner said.
Ms Forbes found laws around companion animals such as dogs did not offer any warning or protection to those dealing with Boof after he mauled Mr Grant.
"At the very least, if Boof had been required to be kept in an enclosure, or otherwise muzzled when not in an enclosure, this may have impacted on the likelihood or nature of the fatal attack on Mr Amatto," she told Lidcombe Coroners Court.
Ms Forbes made a series of recommendations to the NSW Office of Local Government and NSW Police Force to prevent this type of tragic incident in future.
One of these was that dog licences could be issued with strict conditions on certain breeds.
"I am of the opinion that any disadvantage of stricter regulation around dog ownership is outweighed by the possible prevention of a similar attack as the one Mr Amatto suffered," she said.
Strengthening laws around seizing dogs, declaring them as dangerous or menacing, and preventing them from being rehomed were also suggested.
Mr Amatto's sister Kristy told AAP she was thankful to Ms Forbes for overseeing the inquest.
"The recommendations are thoughtful and hopefully will prevent this type of tragedy again," she said.
"Whilst our family miss Colin everyday, he is always in our hearts and shared stories.
"My brother, my hero."
The tragic attack highlighted the importance of reviewing the state government's approach to managing dogs in the community, a spokeswoman for NSW Minister of Local Government Ron Hoenig told AAP.
The recommendations would be considered, they said.
"We need to ensure dog owners are aware of their responsibilities and enforcement bodies are able to respond effectively when required."
A NSW Police spokeswoman said the force would consider the coroner's recommendations once they had seen her findings.
The recommendations come two months after Ms Forbes suggested dog licences in a separate inquest into the death of toddler Jyedon Pollard who was mauled by two animals at a motel in central western NSW.
In June 2024, the actions of Shoalhaven City Council were criticised by the coroner over the death of Ada "Sally" Holland who died after being attacked by three dogs at Collingwood Beach on the south coast.
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