New Zealand Dog News

Reviewing the dog news in New Zealand with editors comments. Someone needs to keep reviewing how our dogs are doing in society.

June 18, 2006

Dog owner 'got off lightly'

The victim of a vicious pit bull attack says she is still battling physical and psychological scars and is calling for tougher penalties against dog owners.

Otaki Beach Motor Camp resident Pauline Cornelius, 63, suffered nine puncture wounds to her groin and a deep gouge in her leg when a pit bull terrier-cross mauled her at the camping ground in January.

After seven months of investigation by Kapiti Coast District Council, the dog's owner, Leith Terry, appeared in Lower Hutt District Court this week and was fined $1360. The council planned to disqualify him from owning a dog for five years. (...) MORE>>
Mrs Cornelius is angry that he got off lightly. "It is not right – these dogs cost $800 to $1000 each. How can a beneficiary afford that?"
This, of course, depends where the dog came from? The Pound, a friend, or a breeder?
I know how she feels, and I sympathise with her. A lot of people who are victims of crime don't feel that the punishment is enough. However, you can't draw blood from a stone. You can, however, educate dog owners on their responsibilities, and get them to do a dog education programme. Plunket for Dogs Owners!
Yes, I know! It's not easy to find, and if you do they cost money. Some councils, like WEllington offer free dog courses. More councils should follow suit.

Kapiti council customer service manager Jude Wadsworth said thoughthe council would have liked a heavier fine, but was satisfied with the conviction. The council was pursuing four other prosecutions against owners of dogs that had attacked or threatened people and dogs.

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