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.

August 30, 2007

Intimidation used to hide dog attacks

Some Manukau residents fearful of retribution from neighbours are making dog complaint statements to officers in supermarket carparks.

But many won't go as far as appearing as witnesses in court because their neighbours might find out who complained.

And that is why many serious dog attacks on children and adults aren't prosecuted, says Manukau City Council contractor DSS Animal Management.

(...)
But a signed statement is needed before his team will approach a dog's owner.
"We can't just go on the doorstep and say that an anonymous person has made a complaint.
"We do not respond to anonymous tips.
"You can't uphold the law on hearsay."

But..but... that is exactly what happened to us. When we wanted to go to court, they didn't allow us!

But if the matter is very serious, for instance a dog attack that could lead to a prosecution, Mr Gillingwater tells complainants they will have to be prepared to appear as a witness in court.

"They don't want to go to court because it means they will not be anonymous any more. So they won?t sign statements," he says.

"It's very frustrating because we can resolve quite a few of these incidents if people have the resolve."

But but... I say... it always seems that it's the dog owner who is quilty before proven innocent, instead of us being innocent, and they have to prove the guilt.
Once you get someone like myself angst about what happened... do you think I'll complain to the dog pound guy knowing that he won't want to 'resolve' but convict?

He has heard about children being attacked by dogs at family gatherings and no one has complained.

Why? not for intimidation, but because of dog being put down, and dog fine!

"Sometimes we don't even get contacted and some of them are quite nasty attacks," Mr Gillingwater says.

for the reason above... people can, you know, help themselves. Why should we have to 'tell someone'? Why does a third party HAVE to be involved??

People go to the media or ambulance service for help but don't take the extra step.
But these problems have been around for years in many communities, he says.

And probably more so since the dog laws have changed to be more punitive!

(...)
Dog complaints in Manukau dropped from 6918 in 2005-06 to 6745 in 2006-07.

Well, why don't you say DOG LAWS ARE WORKING !!

A council report says the number of dog attacks on people was unchanged at 256. But complaints about dogs being aggressive to people increased from 439 to 490.

The report says it is too early to determine whether the increase is a real jump in aggressive dog incidents or the result of heightened awareness, perception of risk or willingness to call the council. EXACTLY !

1 Comments:

  • At 2:58 p.m., Blogger llew said…

    "The report says it is too early to determine whether the increase is a real jump in aggressive dog incidents or the result of heightened awareness, perception of risk or willingness to call the council. EXACTLY ! "

    Exactly what? Lack of the means to determine means that you're right?

    It's too early isn't it?

     

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