Widow attacked by pitbull has to pay own medical costs

1.00pm

A 64-year-old widow attacked by a pitbull at Waitarere Beach says she can't believe how lucky she is after being saved by axe-wielding neighbours.

The dog has been killed since the Monday attack, but the woman says she is still traumatised and does not want to be named because she is afraid of the dog's owner.

Horowhenua District Council has decided not to prosecute the owner.

"I've had trouble sleeping... Every time I go to close my eyes the dog's face is just there," the woman said.

She also has to pay for the ambulance call-out, doctor's fees, tetanus injections and dressing changes.

"I've got to pay all these bills on a widow's benefit."

The escaped animal tore big chunks out of her calf muscle and shin while she was on an evening walk down Park Avenue.

Neighbours heard her screams for help and frightened the dog off with a stick and a tomahawk.

"If they hadn't come they would have found me the next morning in pieces and pieces with blood everywhere."

"I'm just happy there weren't any children around because of the school holidays," she said.

She was an animal-lover, but said owners need to be more responsible. The dog was usually tied up, but had escaped that day while the owner was out.

Council spokesman Mike Lepper said the owner had handed over the dog voluntarily and it has been destroyed.

Despite her ordeal, the woman said she still loved dogs and was trying to keep her sense of humour.

"My doctor tells me I won't ever be able to enter Miss Waitarere Beach again."

It was the second serious dog attack in Horowhenua this year. Last month two rottweilers mauled 75-year-old Ross Hosie of Levin as he tried to protect his small terrier Shadow while out walking in March.

Part of Mr Hosie's hand was ripped off and he was left with a finger dangling by a thread.

Shadow later died.

- HOROWHENUA-KAPITI CHRONICLE (LEVIN)