3.00pm
Investigations into an horrific dog attack that left a three-year-old boy with lifelong facial injuries have been wound up because animal control officers have been unable to find the victim.
James Thorne-Harrison, believed to be from Auckland, was attacked by a relative's dog at a Bush St, Gate Pa, address in Tauranga almost two months ago.
The owners surrendered the dog, a staffordshire bull terrier, which was put down. But animal control officers cannot prosecute them as they have been unable to contact the victim.
Tauranga District Council animal services manager John Payne said investigations had finished because the victim could not be located.
The dog owners, believed to be James' aunt and uncle, have been charged with obstruction, which carries a maximum fine of $1500.
"It's pretty petty compared to the boys' injuries," Mr Payne said.
If the boy had been found, the dog owners could have faced up to three months in jail or a maximum $5000 fine.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
Herald Feature: When dogs attack
How you can help
A trust fund has been opened for 7-year-old dog attack victim Carolina Anderson. You can send a cheque to: Carolina Anderson Trust Account, BNZ, PO Box 46-294, Herne Bay, or donate over the internet to BNZ account number 020 248 000 3002-000.
The Herald is backing an appeal to raise money for a $150,000 operating-room microscope for Middlemore's plastic surgery unit. The microscope is essential in minute plastic surgery work such as reattaching nerves. Middlemore has two, used on Carolina Anderson and the victims of the Pipiroa sword attack, but they need replacing. Donations can be sent to: The Microsurgery Appeal, Editorial Department, New Zealand Herald, PO Box 706, Auckland.