Vicious dog seized as man and pet recover

The attack occurred on a school sports field next to Kerikeri Domain, where signs require all dogs to be on a lead. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF

A 94-year-old who was attacked by an unrestrained dog while trying to defend his pet is recovering at home while the offending dog has been seized by animal control.

The Kerikeri resident was walking a small dog on a leash on the sportsfield adjoining Kerikeri Domain about 6pm on Sunday when he was rushed by a staffordshire terrier cross.

The larger dog, which was not a pitbull as initially reported to police, was being walked on the other side of the field by a Kerikeri woman.

She had two dogs but only the staffordshire was unrestrained.

It grabbed the elderly man's dog by the ear and when he tried to intervene he was bitten on the legs and arm.

He suffered multiple minor puncture wounds to his legs and a bad cut to his right wrist.

He did not want to talk about his ordeal when approached by the Advocate yesterday but said his pet was recovering after having a torn ear stitched up.

The 94-year-old's right arm was bandaged.

The staffordshire terrier was seized by Far North District Council animal control staff early yesterday.

Its fate is not yet known. The council had not responded to inquiries by edition time yesterday.

Dogs do not have to be on a lead on Kerikeri Domain but the council's Dog Control bylaw requires dogs to be under their owner's control at all times, even in off-leash areas.

The person in charge of the dog must also make sure it does not cause any danger, distress or nuisance.

Sunday's attack took place on a sportsfield adjoining the domain, which is owned by the Education Ministry and used by Kerikeri High School.

Signs show dogs must be on a lead while on the field.