Dogs destroyed after meter reader mauled

Two dogs were today ordered to be put down for savaging a meter reader, ripping off part of his ear.

Charges included failing to register a dog and owning a dog that attacked a person.
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Council lawyer Kirsty Berry requested the dogs Rogue and Cookie be destroyed and fines of $1000-$1500 per charge be imposed.

The dog Bill was put down immediately after the incident. Judge Anne Gaskell said Rogue and Cookie had been impounded since the attack and ordered both dogs be destroyed.

Judge Gaskell said the amount of fines the council was seeking was unrealistic given that Rua and Napia were beneficiaries. Yes I agree. For a millionaire, $1000 is nothing, but for someone who's got nothing, it is alot. I do, however, feel sorry for the victim, and I think that the only way of repatriation... hell, I don't know.

She fined Napia $500, ordered her to pay pound fees of $1250, court costs and a solicitor's fee.

Rua was fined $250, ordered to pay pound fees of $1250 and other costs.

Still alot... but they've got to pay the piper~ They should have sought dog training..

Judge Gaskell said both Napia and Rua expressed sorrow and remorse and she agreed with their suggestion that any fines be paid to the victim. I'd rather see a higher fine, and lower court cost, etc.. in order for more moeny to go to the victim. Somehow the victim lost here. Or am I wrong in reading this?

Speaking after the sentencing, Ms Berry said the council wanted to send a clear message that it was taking a strong stance with regard to prosecuting dog owners. To read the whole article