Murupara dog attack: Owner discharged without conviction

The owner of four dogs which attacked a Japanese girl in Murupara was discharged without conviction in the Rotorua District Court today.

Gareth Boyt previously pleaded guilty to owning four Staffordshire bull terrier cross dogs that caused serious injury.

The 35-year-old was originally charged alongside his wife, but police withdrew charges against her in November.

Judge David Ruth ordered Mr Boyt to pay $7500 in reparation for emotional harm.

The young girl, Sakurako Uehara, is in and out of hospital and faces years of reconstructive surgery as a result of the attack in March last year.