Four gunmen invaded Mayfield home over dog custody dispute
Four armed men broke into a Mayfield home over custody of an expensive XL Bully dog.
Four heavily armed intruders broke into a Mayfield home about 3:45am on May 30 last year after a couple's breakup over an expensive XL Bully dog. The men carried guns, knives, baseball bats and a metal pole.
When no one answered the door, one gunman fired a shortened shotgun at the door handle, shattering it with a loud bang. The intruders then forced their way inside while residents hid in bedrooms.
One man inside picked up a guitar to defend himself but was beaten with a small bat. The group fled shortly after.
Two men, Felise Taufaao and Ejay Laga, pleaded guilty in Newcastle Local Court. Two others, including the man allegedly trying to reclaim the dog, pleaded not guilty and will face trial in 2027.
Why it mattersThe case shows how a personal dispute can spiral into serious violent crime, and highlights the risks of armed confrontation over property disputes.
Open this story in InSnip →
