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When neighbourhood dog disputes turn deadly: Quiet street’s shocking wake-up call

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When neighbourhood dog disputes turn deadly: Quiet street’s shocking wake-up call

1755060195714.png When neighbourhood dog disputes turn deadly: Quiet street’s shocking wake-up call
A stabbing during an altercation left three people wounded, including mother of two Alicia Wright. Credit: Facebook

What started as a neighbourly conversation about barking dogs ended with three people in hospital and a young man facing serious criminal charges. The violent incident in Killarney Vale serves as a stark reminder that even the most ordinary disputes can spiral catastrophically when not handled properly.



On Monday, 11 August 2025, emergency services were called to Gossimer Close, Killarney Vale, following reports of an altercation between three people at about 1:55 pm. What had begun as a discussion about an ongoing barking dog problem between neighbours quickly descended into a knife attack that left a 23-year-old woman airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in critical condition.



The confrontation involved two women, aged 23 and 33, and a 20-year-old man who were found suffering stab wounds. The man, Nathan Scanlan, was arrested and taken to Gosford Hospital in stable condition, and following treatment was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (in company), possession of a prohibited drug, affray and driving while disqualified.



In this Article




'We heard all this yelling outside, and then Alicia hit the ground hard. She plays NRLW and is a tough girl, but you could hear the thud up the road.'

Witness quoted in Daily Mail



According to witnesses, the dispute had been simmering for weeks. The 23-year-old woman had arrived with her grandmother to discuss the ongoing problem with local dogs when she encountered Alicia Wright, 33, and her new partner, Nathan Scanlan. Neighbours told the media that the dogs causing the noise complaints didn't even belong to Wright and Scanlan, but to 'a family from the other street' whose dog walking route regularly set off other dogs in the area.



A typical family neighbourhood shattered



Killarney Vale is a suburb of the Central Coast region located about 60 kilometres from Sydney, with a 2021 census population of around 13,000, comprised of approximately 52.6 per cent females and 47.4 per cent males. The median age is 38 years, with the predominant age group being 0-9 years, making it a typical family-oriented community.









Killarney Vale is a lakeside suburb positioned just minutes from Shelly Beach, Long Jetty and Toowoon Bay, with its family-friendly feel, local shops, lakeside location and strong capital growth making it attractive to both investors and first home buyers. The violence that erupted in Gossimer Close was completely at odds with the area's peaceful reputation.



By Tuesday morning, both women were reported to be in a stable condition, but the aftermath was evident throughout the neighbourhood. Residents were seen hosing blood stains from their front steps, while others handed CCTV footage to investigating police. A pink pocketknife was reportedly found in the bushes near the crime scene.




What constitutes excessive barking in NSW?


Barking is considered excessive when it exceeds 240 barks per day between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm, or 35 barks per night between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am, or regularly exceeds 30 barks per hour during the day or four barks per hour at night.




Understanding your rights with barking dogs



Many Australians face similar frustrations with neighbourhood noise issues, but few realise how many legal avenues exist before resorting to confrontation. Barking is one way dogs communicate, but excessive barking can disturb neighbours and cause annoyance. Here are some actions you can take to make life better for dogs, dog owners and neighbours.



The first step should always be a polite conversation. The dog's owner may not have realised that their dog is bothering you, and will often be happy to work with you to solve the problem. Try talking to the dog's owner clearly and politely about the problem first - they may not even be aware of the problem if the dog is only barking when they are out.









If direct conversation fails, contact your local council if mediation is unsuccessful and the noise problem persists. Councils have specific processes and can issue nuisance orders under NSW legislation. If their investigation proves the complaint is justified, they can warn the dog owner that they intend to issue a nuisance order under the Companion Animals Act 1998.



When disputes escalate: Warning signs and prevention



The Killarney Vale incident demonstrates how quickly neighbourhood tensions can spiral. Issues around noise, fences, property boundaries, pets, overgrowing trees and parking are some of the common neighbourhood contentions. Sometimes, a neighbour's act or omission can be a nuisance.



Prevention experts emphasise early intervention. One simple step anyone can do to help prevent neighbourhood disputes is to go and introduce yourself to your neighbour as soon as you move into your new property - it doesn't mean you have to be best friends, but putting out that olive branch really does make a huge difference long term.




Early warning signs of escalating disputes



  • Multiple visits or confrontations about the same issue

  • Raised voices or aggressive body language

  • Threats or intimidation

  • Involvement of multiple family members

  • Refusal to engage in dialogue or compromise

  • Any mention of 'getting even' or similar language




The most important thing is to communicate with your neighbour openly and respectfully - address any concerns you have early on and try to resolve them amicably. Keep records of all communication with your neighbour, as well as any maintenance work you have carried out on your property - this can be helpful if a dispute arises.



Help is available across Australia



What makes the Killarney Vale incident particularly tragic is the wealth of mediation services available that could have prevented this escalation. Community Justice Centres provide free mediation to help people solve disagreements without going to court, and also provide other alternative dispute resolution services tailored to help people solve conflicts.









The Dispute Settlement Centre provides free advice to help neighbours sort out problems such as barking dogs - phone 1300 372 888. For Central Coast residents specifically, there are additional local services available.



Mediation has an empowering impact, as neighbours understand why the dispute emerged in the first place, how it affects both parties, how it can be resolved now and how they can deal with future disputes - and it's not something you can achieve when you go into an adversarial process.



Resources for Central Coast residents



The Central Coast offers numerous support services for residents facing neighbour disputes:



Free mediation services:





  • Community Justice Centres: Available statewide with no waiting lists
  • Family mediation services on the Central Coast for all manner of disputes, including parenting, property, inheritance, community, elder, business, relationship and workplace disputes
  • Local council dispute resolution services



When to contact authorities:











  • If you are hurt by your neighbour or concerned for your safety, call Triple Zero (000). For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000)
  • For ongoing harassment: Consider applying for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)
  • Council services: Each local council has animal management officers to handle barking complaints



Having a neighbourhood dispute dealt with by the court should be a last resort. Before engaging in legal action, contact the neighbour directly, and if things do not improve, then you should consider mediation.



Did you know?


Did You Know?
Most neighbourhood disputes can be resolved through free Community Justice Centre mediation services. These centres operate across NSW with experienced mediators who help neighbours find mutually acceptable solutions without the stress and expense of court proceedings.



What This Means For You


The tragedy in Killarney Vale reminds us all that behind every neighbour dispute are real people trying to live peacefully in their homes. While barking dogs and other neighbourhood issues are genuinely frustrating, violence is never the answer. With the right approach and Australia's excellent mediation resources, most disputes can be resolved amicably.



What's your experience with neighbourhood disputes? Have you found effective ways to resolve conflicts with neighbours, or do you have concerns about how to handle a current situation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below - your insights might help other readers navigate their own neighbourhood challenges.




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This really shits me off ,when you are told to talk the offending dog owner , you would likely pick yourself up off the ground , it’s never their dog always some one else’s. It the Councils job to speak to them not the residents. There was a dog back of my home constantly barking I . politely spoke to ,her response it keeps us awake too,then promptly tied in the back corner to bark day and night,the poor thing was tied up 24/7. She would come around with foul mouth abuse the F word was her main vocabulary, after several episodes I called the police deal with her, all the while she was throwing rubbish over the corner of my property .
 

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