A Whangarei postie bitten by a pitbull-cross dog, taken to hospital and given a tetanus injection, could be back on his bike delivering mail today.
A New Zealand Post spokesman confirmed the relief postie, who had been doing his round in Hikurangi on Tuesday when he was bitten, was not in any discomfort after going to hospital for a jab. He had been on King St at around 2pm when he was bitten multiple times on the leg. A St John Ambulance crew initially treated the man at the scene and an animal control officer was contacted.
Whangarei District Council spokeswoman Ann Midson confirmed an animal control officer was called to the Hikurangi property and the owner handed over the dog on Tuesday, with a decision over the dog's fate to be made by the end of the week.
New Zealand Post says it takes the safety of its posties very seriously.
"Posties are frequently briefed about dogs and what to do if confronted," a spokesman said.