Dog owner ordered pitbulls to attack man, court told

A Wellington dog owner deliberately ordered his two pitbull terriers to attack another man after the sale of a 4WD went wrong, a court was told yesterday. In Wellington District Court, Ryan Jay Kaden, 26, denied assault with a weapon – his dogs Bonnie and Clyde.

The charge stemmed from an incident at Wellington's Owhiro Bay (I used to live there !) when a discussion about the payment for a 4WD took place four men including Kaden, Clifford Denham, 35, and his brother Clive, 34.

The Denham brothers were to receive the keys to the 4WD in exchange for $160. However, $200 was demanded, which led to an argument and an altercation between the men. Hein? for $40 bucks.. someone is struggling. More like the taxpayers are!! How much is this court case going to cost?

The Denhams' claimed Kaden – unemployed and now living in Hawke's Bay – ordered his dogs to attack Clifford Denham. Gee, I can't even get my dog to lick me! Well okay.. they've been trained NOT to. yuk!

Crown prosecutor Nick Chisnall said one of the dogs –Clyde – bit Clifford Denham on the top of the head, leaving him bleeding from his scalp which required four stitches, while Bonnie – the smaller of the two – bit him on the cheek.

Clifford Denham told the court Kaden shouted "I'll get the dogs on you".

(...)
Kaden's lawyer Robert Stevens challenged Clifford Denham's claim Kaden had opened his car door to let the dogs attack, instead claiming the door was opened for the dogs to have a run. Gee, that sounds more like it. How many people actually train their dogs to 'get 'em'? If the dogs did do it, it's probably because they were trying to 'save' their master! If so, then... they are a bit unpredictable.

Mr Stevens said Kaden never encouraged the dogs to attack and the story had been invented to cover for Clive Denham who had lashed out at Kaden with a shovel. A ha!! now this sounds more like it... the truth comes out.

The trial before Judge Jan Kelly is expected to conclude tomorrow. I'll make sure I get the end of this story