One of the Bullmastiff crosses that attacked and killed an elderly woman at a Jervis Bay beach is pictured with young children
One of the Bullmastiff crosses that attacked and killed an elderly woman at a Jervis Bay beach is pictured with young children
The owner of three dogs who mauled a 91-year-old woman to death and injured four other people on the NSW South Coast has spoken of his shock, saying he "never thought in my wildest dreams" the animals would attack.

Adam Newbold sobbed as he told Nine News he had owned the dogs for seven years, referring to one of the animals as his "best mate". Mr Newbold said the dogs appeared to have "busted out the bottom of the fence" on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Collingwood Beach at Vincentia on Sunday morning, with the five people suffering cuts and bite marks.

The elderly woman died at the scene while the other four people were taken to hospital in a stable condition.


Sally Holland (pictured) was set upon by dogs at a Jervis Bay beach while going for a swim. The 91-year-old died at the scene
Sally Holland (pictured) was set upon by dogs at a Jervis Bay beach while going for a swim. The 91-year-old died at the scene
"I just can't believe it," Mr Newbold said. "They bit my partner. I can't believe they changed. I don't know why.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams that this would happen. I had my two daughters, they were just playing with them in the yard yesterday afternoon. The kids hang off them."

Mr Newbold said his partner had tried to rescue the injured people but was bitten herself.

"All I can say is I'm sorry to the people that's been hurt. I would never have had these dogs near my kids if I knew this could happen. Honestly, I'm in shock. I don't know what could send them wild."

The three dogs have been seized by authorities.

with AAP