Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Mother of 12 year old dog attack victim releases statement
The mother of the 12 year old Turangi boy attacked by a dog in the bush near the town yesterday, has today released a statement thanking all those involved with helping her son.
That includes St John Turangi, the Youthtown Trust Air Ambulance and those at the scene. The boy has sustained facial injuries which will require further surgery. He underwent the first part of the surgery last night.
She thanked the surgical staff at Waikato Hospital and the paediatric surgery ward where he is recovering.
"My son has always loved dogs and my concern now is this might make him wary of dogs. My son did nothing to aggravate the dog at all."
She thanked the media for their interest but declined the opportunity of an interview at this stage.
Check out our media releases on www.waikatodhb.health.nz/news or
About Waikato District Health Board and Health
Waikato:
Waikato DHB is
responsible for planning, funding and providing quality
health and disability support services for the 365,730
people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual
turnover of $1.2 billion and employs more than 6000
people.
Health Waikato is the DHB’s
main provider of hospital and health services with an annual
budget of more than $701 million and 5238 staff. It has six
groups across five hospital sites, three primary birthing
units, two continuing care facilities and 20 community bases
offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and
tertiary health services.
A wide range of independent providers deliver other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
NZ Psychological Society: Remembering The Past Guides Our Future 
New Zealand Olympic Committee: Motherhood In Focus For Wāhine Toa Graduates Ahead Of Mother's Day
Early Childhood New Zealand: Budget 2026 Must Protect The Future Of Quality Early Childhood Education
Creative New Zealand: Aotearoa Manu Take World Art Stage As 61st Venice Biennale Opens
Country Music Honours: 2026 Country Music Honours Finalists Announced
Mana Mokopuna: Children’s Commissioner Welcomes New Youth Mental Health And Suicide Prevention Services In Te Tai Tokerau