Editorial: Street has dog, not pitbull, problems

A Northern Advocate reporter drove to Kaikohe this morning with a car full of doggy treats.

Former Kaikohe man Daniel Dunbar, a store manager for Pet Essentials in Whangarei, had read about a dog attack on Jim Morgan, 92, and his canine pal Sandy and put together a $400 package of gifts.

The attack on Mr Morgan in Kaikohe's Harold Ave has touched hearts around the country, with the Advocate fielding several calls from people wanting to donate money towards the $700 vet bill Mr Morgan was left with.

What has really struck a chord are the actions of Mr Morgan after the attack. Bleeding from wounds to his hands, his first thoughts were not to call himself an ambulance, but to get help for Sandy, who has become an even closer companion since Mr Morgan's wife died several years ago. The dog that attacked the Kaikohe pair was an American pitbull, which has reopened debate around this breed of dog.

Regardless of breed, this was a dog that had escaped its enclosure, left its owner's property and attacked Sandy, and then Jim as he tried to help his pet.

Jim's neighbours Cynthia Moran and her husband Garry say serious dog attacks have been happening in the street since 2006, including an attack on a boy who, covered in blood, sought help from Cynthia and Garry.

The word "pitbull" has become synonymous with aggression and violence.

But Harold Ave has a dog problem that needs addressing, not a pitbull issue, and hopefully the relevant authorities focus on making this street safe for children and residents like Jim and Sandy. It's not too much to ask to be able to safely take a walk with your kids or dog.