Single bite killed dog owner

By BRIDGET CARTER

A Northland dog breeder died from a single dog bite to the leg, a coroner has found.

Max Atkins said Yvonne Harris, 73, died at her Ruakaka home in February when one of three Alaskan Malamutes punctured a varicose vein with its teeth, causing severe blood loss.

In what Mr Atkins described as an unusual case, there was only a single dog bite, and it was not a dog attack as might have been suggested.

"This is a very sad case in that it occurred at a time when there was a lot of publicity about dogs attacking people and dogs not being under control," he said.

"Here, the situation was unique. There is no indication that her dogs were being aggressive."

During yesterday's hearing at Whangarei into the cause of Mrs Harris' death, Sergeant Janine Attwood-Graham said it was not clear exactly when the Northland dog breeder died. It was some time on February 10 or 11.

Her friend and neighbour Sheryl Brown first called police on February 12 to say she thought Mrs Harris was dead.

Mrs Brown had gone to check on her neighbour after her daughter telephoned saying that she had not heard from her.

Police found Mrs Harris slumped in a chair in the living area of her home.

There was blood on the floor, blood on the walls and there were half-peeled potatoes on the kitchen bench.

Neighbours said that in the days before Mrs Harris was found dead, they noticed that she had left windows open with the lights off, which was unusual.

They had heard dogs barking. One neighbour said she heard a dog almost screaming as though it was in pain.

Whangarei dog ranger Kathy Bourke said she had been called by Mrs Harris' neighbour about barking dogs.

She said two of the dogs belonged to Mrs Harris. The third belonged to another family member.

After Mrs Harris' death, Kathy Bourke examined the Malamutes and could not find any blood around their teeth, which was probably because of the time lapse.

The female dogs were in early stages of heat. When dogs were on heat, she said, they could become aggressive.

Mr Atkins said Mrs Harris would not have died if she had applied pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.

"Normally I would think varicose vein sufferers would be aware of that danger and be prepared to act immediately when the vein is punctured.

"Having said that, Mrs Harris was on her own.

"It would be much easier if she had someone to act on her behalf and take the appropriate measure, so this is a very sad case."