Wolfhounds' owner admits attack charge

Thomas O'Neill at Dunedin District Court. Photo / Otago Daily Times

The owner of three Irish wolfhounds that mauled a Dunedin woman has pleaded guilty to owning a dog involved in a serious attack on a person.

Thomas O'Neill appeared before Judge Brian Callaghan at the Dunedin District Court this morning.

The court heard the victim, who was not named, was looking for reparation for the attack in December last year that was described at the time as "like a shark attack''.

The woman was delivering the Otago Daily Timesin Walter St, in the Glen, when attacked early on December 1.

The Dunedin City Council laid charges under section 57 (attack on a person) and section 58 (serious attack on a person) of the Dog Control Act 1996.

O'Neill pleaded guilty to the section 58 charge, but the section 57 charge was withdrawn.
His counsel, Anne Stevens, said he had already paid $2000 to the victim, and had agreed to continue paying for any reasonable costs.

Judge Callaghan referred the matter for restorative justice, and set an April 5 date for sentence.

All three dogs were put down soon after the attack.