A dog attack alleged to have taken place at a property on Merrins Ave on September 8 has resulted in a legal dispute between the dog owners and the Ōtorohanga District Council.
Earlier this month, the King Country News reported that a seven-year-old girl suffered a bite to her face, while her 38-year-old father received serious dog bites to his calf. Both the father and daughter, who had been visiting the property, were treated for their injuries, with the man helicoptered to Waikato Hospital, while the girl was treated locally.
However, the sister of one of the dog owners, Katrina Quinn, of Ōtorohanga, has given their side of the story in comments on social media.
She said she had known the female dog since it was rescued from an abused home at six-months-old and the two male dogs since they were born.
“We have video footage showing the two male dogs didn’t go near the man or his daughter,” Katrina said.
She added that the female dog did not like the man who had entered the house, which he was aware of, and that this (female) dog had not bitten the girl. Rather, Katrina claimed that the child had probably been scratched during the altercation, probably by a dog claw.
“The owner has now got a lawyer and was in the process of filing complaints to council about dog control and with police [against] the man who entered the property.
“Council has moved the dogs to Cambridge without paperwork, or notice beforehand … police didn’t interview the witnesses at the time, nor has dog control,” Katrina said.
A police spokesperson said an investigation was under way. The council would be the lead prosecution agency but police would also be investigating on behalf of the council.
Council’s group manager for strategy and community, Nardia Gower, confirmed that all three dogs had been impounded following the incident.
“The dogs are being housed at a secure facility with appropriate animal welfare in place.
As this matter is now subject to legal proceedings, council is unable to comment further,” Nardia said.
