'Menacing' classification upheld after dog attack

A decision to classify a Masterton dog owner's German Shepherd as "menacing" has been upheld, despite earlier objections.

The classification of menacing by deed was given to Joan Gibbs' German Shepherd, Bailey, after an incident where Bailey attacked a woman at the rugby grounds, in Colombo Rd.

Bailey is a 1-year-and-10-month-old female.

A council summary report detailed how, on May 26, Bailey charged at a woman on a bike, tearing her jeans and biting her.

The woman reported the attack and Masterton District Council dog control officer Malcolm Falk informed Mrs Gibbs that Bailey had been classified as a menacing dog, and that she could object.

At an Animal Control Hearing earlier this month Mrs Gibbs and Mary Phillips, president of the Wairarapa Kennel Association, appealed the classification.

Under the Dog Control Act 1996 a dog classified as menacing must be controlled by a muzzle and leash in public. Failure to comply with this can lead to the dog being seized, and in some cases put down.

The Hearing Committee informed Mrs Gibbs on July 24 that the decision had been made to uphold the classification.

Mrs Gibbs said Bailey would now wear a muzzle "for her own protection" and others but that she could still participate in dog shows without wearing the muzzle.

She did not want to comment further.

Masterton district councillor Jonathan Hooker said while there had been no question of Mrs Gibbs' ability to manage dogs, the decision was made purely because of concerns over the dog's behaviour.

Mr Hooker said although Bailey will not have to wear a muzzle in private, Mrs Gibbs will face the same responsibility and consequences if the dog bites anyone without its muzzle on, in private.