Dog must remain muzzled in public

A german shepherd dog must remain muzzled in public, as with the terrier pictured, despite its owner's appeal to Masterton District Council.

The owner of a german shepherd dog involved in a fight at Rangitumau has failed in her bid to have a menacing classification lifted.

The dog will have to remain muzzled when out in public.

Anneke Wolterbeek had petitioned Masterton District Council's Hearings Committee on appeal to drop the menacing tag on Thor, her 4-year-old dog, claiming he was not aggressive and since the fight, in which he had been badly injured, he was "timid".

In its written decision the committee has ruled the menacing by deed classification is to stand.

On the probability of evidence presented, the committee could not "discount the fact Thor was the instigator" of the dog fight from which three other dogs belonging to Robert Coulston had also been classed as menacing and ordered to be muzzled in public.

For his part, Mr Coulston had accepted the classification and did not lodge an appeal.

The committee has ruled there is no evidence that Thor has lost the potential to " do the same again" despite the February incident and his subsequent injuries.

The committee has found the February dog fight happened when both parties rounded a corner, were taken by surprise and a fight between Thor and three pig dogs ensued.

"Those responsible for the two groups of dogs did not have their dogs on leads."

As a result, the partner of Ms Wolterbeek, Brent Stewart, who was walking Thor, was bitten.

"The fact those breaking up dog fights are bitten is not unusual."

From evidence supplied it was "highly likely" Thor was the instigator and this, according to the committee, had not been challenged by Ms Wolterbeek.

The committee accepted Thor had been injured and may never fully recover.

When asked what actions she had taken as a result of the fight, Ms Wolterbeek's only comment was she and her partner were making sure they could clearly see some distance ahead when walking Thor so there could be no further surprise meetings of Thor and other dogs.

It had been disappointing to hear no attempt had been made by Ms Wolterbeek "in fact a complete disregard" to comply with the menacing classification notice issued on March 11.

The committee considered although muzzling Thor in public will curtail some activities the dog would be more fortunate than most in that the dog has access to "non-public areas" where he can run free.