Killer dog badly treated say police

By MONIQUE DEVEREUX and NZPA

Inquiries into the death of a Dunedin woman mauled by her dog suggest the animal was not treated properly - but police say they will never know what triggered the fatal attack.

People who knew Carol Leeann Taylor and her dog Sytan - which she nicknamed Tutties - have given police a "better picture", said Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall.

He described it as the "worst scene I've seen in 25 years for a person injured by an animal".

"I don't know why it did it. I don't think we'll ever know," said Mr McDouall. "Whatever possessed it, it did some damage."

Police had evidence that the animal had been badly treated, but he would not give details.

Police shot the bull-mastiff dead on Wednesday as they tried to get to Ms Taylor, who was lying in a pool of blood outside her house.

The pair may have been about to go for a walk when the attack began as Sytan was wearing a lead when he was shot.

The attack started inside, where chairs were overturned and blood splattered across the floor and walls.

Elderly neighbours raised the alarm but were powerless to help as the angry Sytan prowled beside the badly bitten and bleeding Ms Taylor. One man tried to shoo the dog away with his walking stick.

Ms Taylor's sister, Lynda Taylor, said the dog, had been an increasingly important part of Carol's life after illness had forced her to stop working as a nurse aide about 18 months ago.

"Despite everything Tutties had done - he was a real handful, he wasn't very disciplined - she really did love him to bits.

"We thought he was too big and too boisterous and too much for her, but he was a good companion to her, and there was no way she was ever going to let him go. She loved him, and she would never have foreseen anything like this happening."

Carol Taylor separated from her husband, who now lives in Australia, about 10 years ago and moved to the Caversham house after other homes became too big or access too steep.

"Carol was managing really well with things," Lynda Taylor said, "but we still all worried and hoped things weren't too much for her."

Carol Taylor had owned Sytan since he was a puppy. Dog control officers visited the property several times, mainly over continuous barking or after the dog was found wandering the streets. None of the visits related to aggressive behaviour.

However, Ms Taylor was understood to have sought medical treatment this year for bites on her hands.

Dog controllers confirmed they were called recently by Ms Taylor, who feared the dog was out of control. But they could not take it away as she refused to sign release forms.

Dog safety tips

Dog attacks on strangers are relatively unusual. Up to three-quarters of those who end up in hospital with dog bites have been attacked by their own pets.

Here's how to handle a dog attack:

* If threatened, stop and remain completely still. Eye contact with the dog should be avoided and it should be spoken to gently.

* A command such as "sit" or "stay" can be given softly to the dog because many will obey. All threatening gestures such as yelling at the dog, waving arms or rushing at it should be avoided. If the dog relaxes, back away slowly. Turning and running are signals for the dog to chase and attack.

* If the dog pays no attention, reach down and pick up a handful of stones, shingle or whatever and throw it at the dog.

* Only strike the dog as a last resort. When dogs are in attack mode, pain can incite them more. Never try to kick the dog when it is facing you. A dog can bite 10 times before most humans can respond.

* If you are knocked to the ground, remain motionless in the foetal position, and protect your face by crossing your arms above your head.