Tolaga Bay man savaged by pig dogs

A Tolaga Bay man was covered from head to toe with severe dog bites in a savage attack by two pig dogs yesterday.

The 59-year-old man was airlifted from Tolaga Bay to Gisborne Hospital with severe lacerations to his head.

Today he was in a comfortable condition in a general ward.

The man was visiting his sister yesterday afternoon.

When he entered her property, he was mauled by a dog left roaming around the house.

Police say no one was home at the time. There were between eight and 10 dogs chained to a fence at the rear of the property.

Tolaga Bay Constable Ryan Wiggins was first on the scene and both dogs were captured near the property and shot immediately.

Mr Wiggins said the man was attacked by the second dog after it ripped loose from its chain.

It was possible the dogs might have attacked because the man was not known to them.

An ECT Eastland Rescue Helicopter spokeswoman said a high-collared jacket the man was wearing at the time probably saved him from suffering fatal injuries

Police said one dog belonged to the victim's sister and the other to another woman.

The dogs were understood to be cross-bred, of the bull mastiff and labrador type.

Mr Wiggins said a decision had not yet been made as to whether charges would be laid but the owners could face a fine of up to $20,000.

"The man was covered in dog bites when we got to him and the lacerations to his face were deep.

"If a child had been in the victim's place, he or she would have been mauled to death," he said.

Council animal control officer Pat Collins said the incident was a timely reminder of the importance of keeping dogs under control, especially when owners were not at home.

"Owners are still being careless with their animals and need to keep their animals at bay, with proper security.

"If you are home with your animals, keep a very close eye on them, especially over a busy time like Christmas.

"This is a prime example of how unpredictable domestic animals can be.

"People must take responsibility for their animals and keep them securely tied up," he said.

- NZPA