The owner of a bull mastiff dog that was busted out of death row at the Greymouth pound 10 days after it savagely attacked a pensioner says he has no idea who released his pet or where it is now.
Appearing for sentencing yesterday at Greymouth District Court, Ahuriri John Harris, 21, of Runanga, was ordered to pay more than $1200 in fines, reparation and pound fees after he admitted being the owner of a dog, Nui, that attacked Runanga pensioner Jimmy Hambley, 82, tearing the flesh on his right arm down to the bone.
Mr Hambley was delivering a letter to a friend when the dog, which had strayed down the driveway of the property, suddenly pounced on him.
Mr Hambley told the court the dog had locked on to his arm and tore at it for a long time while he yelled and struggled with it. He was bowled over in the struggle to get free and crawled to the safety of his truck.
His wounds were stitched in hospital later that day but took a long time to heal, requiring daily visits from a nurse for about two months.