Dog owner prosecuted after dog attack
The prosecution of a dog owner whose American Bulldog attacked a miniature poodle in a Waipā reserve has sent a clear message to owners to keep their animals under control.
The Kihikihi resident was walking the bulldog off-leash and unmuzzled in Te Awamutu’s Sherwin Park in April when the attack occurred. The poodle was being walked with its owner and on a lead. The dog was seriously injured and needed $20,000 worth of emergency life-saving veterinary care.
The bulldog had already been classified as dangerous following a previous attack in Thames, meaning that the dog should have been muzzled and on a leash at all times whilst in a public place. Sherwin Park is also a dog on-leash reserve under the Waipā District Dog Control Bylaw.
The bulldog’s owner was initially charged with two Dog Control Act offences including owning a dog that made an attack and failing to comply with a dangerous classification. The owner pleaded guilty to the first offence and was convicted, and the second charge was dismissed. The dog was surrendered to the Council and euthanised.
Waipā District Council group manager district growth and regulatory services Wayne Allan said that it was unusual for Council to proceed with prosecutions, particularly in cases where the offending dog had been euthanised. However, there was strong public interest in sending a clear signal that dog owners who fail to comply with classifications, ignore local bylaws and are unable to control their dogs causing serious injuries to other dogs or persons, should face consequences.
“This serves as a reminder to dog owners that they must be responsible and ensure they always have their dogs under control.
“In the last financial year, there were 76 dog attacks in our district on another animal or person, a lot of these attacks could have been avoided if proper control was maintained,” said Allan.
The bulldog’s owner was ordered to pay $7000 in reparation to the owner of the injured poodle and has been classified as a probationary owner meaning they cannot acquire an additional dog for a period of two years from the date of the offence.
The cost to council in legal fees for prosecuting the offender was $6500.
