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Home / New Zealand

Man charged after Gisborne dog attack injures two, leaves one victim requiring surgery

Anne-Marie de Bruin
Multimedia Journalist·Gisborne Herald·
18 Sep, 2025 09:20 PM2 mins to read

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Two people were injured in a Gisborne dog attack, with one needing surgery. Photo / Gisborne Herald

Two people were injured in a Gisborne dog attack, with one needing surgery. Photo / Gisborne Herald

A Gisborne dog owner is facing charges after a dog attack on two people left one with injuries that required surgery.

John Mauhana Joseph Kerr, 40, of Waituhi, was charged with being the owner of a dog which attacked two people and caused serious injury on August 29.

He is also charged with owning a dog which attacked a stock animal, a goat, on the same day.

He was remanded without plea at his first appearance in Gisborne District Court on Wednesday this week and will reappear on October 6 before a registrar. Bail conditions were that he does not possess or reside with any dogs.

A police spokesperson said police were called to a Lavenham Rd address after reports of a dog attack.

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Police gave first aid to two people with “serious” injuries.

“The two injured people were transported to hospital and one person required surgery,” the spokesperson said.

A Hato Hone St John spokesman said one person was taken to Gisborne Hospital in a moderate condition.

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Kerr has been charged under the Dog Control Act 1996.

The charges involving alleged dog attacks on people carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $2000.

The maximum penalty for the alleged attack on a goat carries a maximum penalty of a $3000 fine.

Gisborne District Council declined to comment on the breed of the dog involved in the alleged incident or whether it had been euthanised.

In the 12 months to June 30, 2025, the council received 39 reports of dogs attacking people and 68 reports of dogs attacking other animals.

Council animal control team lead Ross Hannam earlier said no hospitalisations were required in the attacks on people over that period, although some went to the emergency department.

About 60% of the dogs involved in the attacks were registered.

When dog attacks occur, the council typically has about 80% of the dogs surrendered and euthanised.

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