Mrs Ohlson's son Jason said his uncle was forgiven. Photo / Chris Skelton
The man who owned the dogs involved in a fatal attack on a Bay of Plenty woman has pleaded guilty to charges laid under the Dog Control Act.
Murupara woman Virginia Ohlson, 56, died in April, after being attacked by two dogs while she was out on a
walk.
The dogs were put down after the attack and a post mortem confirmed Ms Ohlson's death was due to shock and trauma resulting from multiple dog bites.
Owner Shane Rurehe appeared in the Rotorua District Court this morning.
The 41-year-old has been ordered to take part in a restorative justice conference.
Ms Ohlson's son Jason had previously asked that Rurehe - his uncle - not be charged.
"He's forgiven," Jason Ohlson, 15, told the Herald prior to his mother's funeral.
"That's what my Mum would want, and me. There's a time to forgive."
SPCA chief executive Bob Kerridge said Rurehe's guilty plea indicates that he saw the offence as serious.
"People shouldn't have these types of dogs in the first place. Who would want a dangerous dog?"
Mr Kerridge said he hoped new regulations bought in last year would mean that dangerous breeds of dogs slowly disappear.
- NZPA / NZ HERALD STAFF
