A bridal boutique owner who suffered lifelong injuries from a 'violent' dog attack will receive more than $100,000 in damages after a court decided to uphold the decision. 

Mary Ioannidis, 55, was taking her 11-year-old Shih Tzu Lexi for a walk in Mortdale, in Sydney's south, in April 2020 when her dog was mauled by a large greyhound Staffordshire bull terrier.

Lexi's front left leg was completely severed and had to be amputated while her owner suffered various lacerations and abrasions while trying to pull the dogs apart.

Ms Ioannidis, a celebrated bridal and evening gown designer who has dressed many Aussie celebrities for the Logies and other red carpet events, was later diagnosed with PTSD and remains traumatised by the attack six years later. 

It also limited her involvement in making dresses and now she only works at her boutique several days a week.

Ms Ioannidis launched proceedings in NSW District Court seeking damages under the Companion Animals Act against Melissa Carretero, the owner of the staffy cross. 

In July 2025, NSW District Court awarded Ms Ioannidis $101,788.63 and ordered Carretero to pay the victim's legal costs, describing the incident as a 'violent and terrifying attack.'

Carretero lodged an appeal contesting the extent of Ms Ioannidis' psychiatric injuries and loss of earning capacity, which was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal on Tuesday.

The court also upheld the primary judge's decision in favour of Ms Ioannidis.

'I am pleased to have this case behind me so I can move forward with my life,' Ms Ioannidis told Daily Mail.

'This was never about compensation, and at all times was about accountability.'

Shine Lawyers senior associate Brittany Vella added: 'We are proud to have stood beside Mary in her fight for justice. 

'Today’s outcome acknowledges the seriousness of what she endured and the life-altering consequences she has lived with. We hope this marks the beginning of healing for our client.

'The consequences for Mary have been profound. The incident has affected her ability to work, create, and engage in the industry and community she loves.' 

The Supreme Court ruled that the primary judge did not err in his ruling to award damages. 

It initially comprised of $49,500 for non-economic loss, $2,288.63 for past out of pocket expenses, $15,000 as a buffer for future out of pocket expenses and $35,000 as a buffer for past and future loss of earnings

'The court held that the buffer for impairment of earning capacity awarded by His Honour more than adequately gave effect to the uncertainties reflected in the evidence, and the primary judge’s assessment of non-economic loss and allowance for future treatment expenses were not erroneous,' the judgement states.

The primary judge's award of $35,000 to reflect both past and future loss of earning capacity is, if anything, conservative.

'It more than adequately gave effect to the uncertainties which he identified.

'It also reflected the fact that the respondent ’ s business was clearly successful and capable of generating significant income and might have been even more successful if the respondent had not suffered PTSD by reason of the attack.

'Nor did his Honour err in his assessment of non-economic loss or in his allowance for the costs of future treatment.'

The court previously heard how the unrestrained staffy terrier ran towards Lexi and was 'throwing her from side to side' as Ms Ioannidis tried desperately to pull her away. 

Lexi's paw was ripped off at the joint and Ms Ioannidis was bitten on the neck, chin, arm and legs.

Photos from the aftermath of the attack showed Ms Ioannidis covered in blood.

'He kept running back and launching at me and he just kept attacking, and he just didn't stop. He didn't stop, and I was falling over and trying to get on my feet,' she previously told the court.

She struggled to take Lexi for walks after the attack and still suffers ongoing anxiety when she heads outside.

Lexi died in September 2024 due to unknown causes.

Mary Ioannidis Boutique in Sydney's inner-west regularly dresses the likes of singer Samantha Jade, Real Housewives of Sydney star Nicole O'Neil and various sporting WAGs for red carpet events.

Around 4,000 Australians are hospitalised each year for dog-related injuries, according to Shine Lawyers.

'The statistics are alarmingly high and what many people don't realise is that victims of dog attacks have a right to seek compensation for their injuries,' Ms Vella said.