Dog's carer sentenced for attack

A woman who was looking after a dog when it mauled a seven-year-old has been sentenced to 200 hours community service.

Melody Hita, 34, appeared before Judge Keith de Ridder in Whangarei District Court yesterday for sentence on a charge of owning a dog that caused serious injury.

The court was told that on January 23 a male pitbull cross crossed into a neighbouring property and attacked the boy, Kevin Hale, who was playing in a tree and blowing a whistle at the time.

He sustained serious injuries, including cuts to his neck and scalp and was in hospital for two days.

The attack lasted several minutes and ended only after neighbours intervened.

Defence lawyer Mike Powell said the dog had originally belonged to Hita's father but she had agreed to look after temporarily. Her father was to be gone for a few weeks but that turned into months.

Hita, of Kamo, was not at home on the day of the attack but her 16-year-old son was. At some stage the dog was let off its chain and ran to the neighbouring property and attacked the boy.

Hita was remorseful and had apologised to the family.

Prosecution lawyer David Grindle said the public had a right to be protected from dangerous dogs and there needed to be a deterrent to ensure people kept their animals under control.

Judge de Ridder said he agreed the public had a right to be protected from dog attacks and it was the responsibility of owners to ensure that.

As well as sentencing Hita to 200 hours' community service, Judge de Ridder also ordered she pay prosecution costs of $113 and that the dog be destroyed.

- NZPA