Mother urges dog safety awareness after daughter injured in Kaikohe attack

A Kaikohe resident believes raising awareness is crucial when it comes to dogs. Photo / NZME

For Esme Sherwin and her family, the past couple weeks have been a blur of shock, hospital visits and relief.

Her daughter Emmy Sherwin, 30, was badly injured in a dog attack she described as “sad and frightening”.

The incident took place in Hongi St, Kaikohe last week and the victim was transported to the Bay of Islands Hospital.

Hato Hone St John was notified about 7pm and said she was in moderate condition following the attack.

Emmy was visiting a friend when their dog slipped its chain and attacked her, leaving her with a fractured arm and multiple puncture wounds to her torso.

The incident left her physically and mentally traumatised, her mother said.

“We are so lucky there were people nearby who came over to assist and call the ambulance.”

Esme said her daughter was recovering well.

“She has never been attacked by a dog before…it was a bit of eye-opener for all of us.”

Esme said they are moving on from the incident as a family and the owners of the dog have also been supportive.

“We were really blessed to get in contact with the family and have a hui with them. We spoke about it and had a good understanding.”

After having a chat with the family, they found that the dog may have slipped the chain as a result of wear and tear, and that the dog was well looked after.

“It’s a fully fenced house and they had a high gate. It is a well looked after dog and it was just being protective.”

She said Kaikohe continues to struggle with dog issues as there are many roaming dogs.

“I have children that walk our roads all the time and I think the most important thing to remind people is to be educated about dogs. My girl was lucky because she received some dog education at school.”

“Education is important for people learning to secure them; you might think you have the best dog in the world, but it will protect you.”

She thanked the ambulance staff who responded and gave her daughter great care.