KEY POINTS:
A man sentenced to community work after his two pitbull-cross dogs attacked three people in south Auckland in April, says he will not own any more dangerous dogs and has instead bought a cat for a pet.
Nicholas Moke, 36, unemployed, appeared in Papakura District Court today for
sentence after pleading guilty to six charges of having unregistered and dangerous dogs.
In addition to 150 hours community work he was ordered to pay $300 to each of the three people bitten by his dogs and fined $400 for having unregistered dogs.
Sentencing had to be adjourned for a short period after Moke swore and shouted in the dock when he heard he could face a prison sentence, causing Judge Charles Blackie to warn him about his behaviour.
After a recess Moke's defence lawyer, Stuart Blake, apologised for the outburst but said Moke was hard of hearing and had not realised he could be sent to prison and had become upset.
Judge Blackie said people needed to know that if they were going to keep a dangerous dog breed they had to be kept under control, otherwise they should choose a pet which had a mild nature.
The two dogs leapt a fence at Moke's home and attacked Jackson Williams, eight, and Te Aroha Pakuivi, 15.
When Jackson's aunt Joanne Waerea went to the children's rescue she too was set upon by the dogs. All three received leg wounds.
After attacking the children and retreating to Moke's house, the dogs charged a police sergeant who went on to the property.
Police said later they were reaching for their guns to shoot the dogs when Moke arrived home and restrained them.
He willingly gave the dogs to police and they were later destroyed.
Judge Blackie questioned why Moke needed such a dangerous breed of dog at all.
"It's difficult to understand why it's necessary to keep a pet of such a vicious nature in a suburban area."
Judge Blackie told Moke that if he did need to keep such a pet he had a responsibility to ensure it was restrained and under control.
Each of the victims had suffered effects more psychological than physical because of the fright of the attack, he said.
Outside the court Mr Blake told NZPA Moke had "extreme regret" over the incident and did not intend to own any similar dogs.
Moke had recently bought a cat instead, he said.
- NZPA
