Snow White owner prosecuted for dog attack

Manukau City Council welcomes the successful prosecution of Snow White’s owner for a dog attack in Papatoetoe last June.

The attack occurred when the victim was visiting the owner’s property on lawful business. The loose Staffordshire bull terrier named Snow White rushed at the man causing serious injury. A large flap of skin (about 20cm x 10cm) on the right leg was ripped open. The man was hospitalised for 10 days where he underwent three operations, including skin grafts, to repair the leg.

Although the court accepted that the woman owner had limited involvement in the offence, because she was not home at the time of the attack, she was still convicted and ordered to pay reparation damages in the amount of $6220. The reparation is in addition to the amount that was already paid by ACC to the complainant ($12,430.00) a total of $18,650.

Manager City Environment Mohammed Hassan says, “This is a considerable amount of reparation granted by the courts compared to other Section 58 convictions in recent years. It reflects the council’s tough stance on owners that cannot control their pets.

“Far too often, innocent members of the public have to pay the price for uncontrolled animals.”

The maximum penalty under Section 58 of the Dog Control Act is a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine up to $20,000.

“Owners must realise that owning a dog is not something to be taken lightly. Although the court accepted that the defendant had limited involvement in the attack, owners still have to pay the price if they fail to live up to their responsibilities.”

All dog owners are required to appropriately contain their dog in a manner that does not place a person lawfully entering the property at risk from attack. The dog should be restricted from the property access whether it be chained, or confined with fencing that the animal cannot jump over or dig under.

ENDS

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