No action after dog attacks woman

The council issued a two-sentence statement on Friday, saying it had completed its investigation, and after reviewing the evidence had decided to take no further action.

A 61-year-old Auckland woman who was bitten when a dog attacked her Welsh terrier last month was "saddened but not surprised" to hear that the Far North District Council would not be taking action against the owner.

The council issued a two-sentence statement on Friday, saying it had completed its investigation, and after reviewing the evidence had decided to take no further action.

The woman, who was treated at Kaitaia Hospital for a puncture wound to her left forearm and whose terrier, Jack, was severely mauled on January 15, said she was not surprised.

"People in Kaitaia told me they were frightened of retaliation," she said.

"There were a lot of people in the street who saw and heard what happened, and it's sad that none of them are prepared to step up. I don't live in Kaitaia so I will just carry on with my life, but Kaitaia deserves better than this. The police basically said they wouldn't be able to do much if witnesses didn't come forward, and obviously they haven't."

She said the owner had told her that if his dogs got out they would attack her and her dog. He then allegedly opened a gate to release one of his dogs.

"People in Kaitaia have told me that the police have said they can't do anything unless people give them information, then when they do report something nothing happens," she said.

"I came home thinking 'Poor Kaitaia'. There's a dangerous dog in your town and no one is doing anything about it."

Meanwhile, her dog had suffered 10 bite wounds to his left leg, from paw to armpit, one on the nose, and severe muscle and ligament damage. There would be ongoing vet bills.

"Remember, this wasn't a fight between two dogs. This was a mauling. Jack didn't have a chance to defend himself," she said .