Owners could face jail for dog attacks

Whirinaki Point, where the vicious attack took place. Photo / Duncan Brown

The owners of the dogs involved in the double mauling at Whirinaki earlier this month could face three years in prison, a $20,000 fine or both.

Hastings District Council (HDC) has laid two charges each of "dog attacks a person causing serious injury" against the three owners of the dogs that allegedly attacked two women earlier this month, landing one of them in Hutt Hospital because of the severity of her wounds.

While no court date has been set, HDC animal control manager John Payne said two of the pack of three were relinquished to council following the attack and were destroyed last Friday.

He said the remaining dog will remain at the pound pending the court outcome.

The first victim, a 37-year-old who was out jogging at the time of the attack said she was relieved when she was told by council that they were going to lay charges.

"Relief and pleased because I think it is the right thing," the woman who wished not to be identified, said.

"It is a good lesson to the owners really."

The owners were charged under the Dog Control Act 1996 and according to section 58 are liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding $20,000, or both.

While the third dog could still be destroyed, the victim was hurt that the owner had not relinquished the dog.

"I actually asked the dog control officer to show the photos I sent him of my injuries to the owners, to help them understand what their dogs have done," the victim said.

"Obviously this person does not have that much remorse - it's quite hurtful, they are not really thinking of the other people."

She said it may be true that this particular dog was not as "involved in the mauling" as much as the other animals, "but if he attacks another person then obviously there will be hell to pay".

After all this, the victim, does not believe that the woman who owned the house where the dogs escaped from is a bad person.

"To her credit she has actually told the animal control officer she wants to apologise to me," she said.

" ... from what I was told she was quite stunned when she was told what the dog had done."

Beyond this she said she wanted to extend her gratitude to the local residents who organised a collection and gave her a card.

"I just want to thank everyone for their support because it has just been amazing, it is really quite touching," she said.

As for now the victim has healed enough to return to work for half days on light duties.

The second victim was discharged from Hutt Hospital last Friday in a stable condition, a hospital spokesperson reported.