String of attacks brings dogs, owners to heel

Has there ever been a weekend when dogs had a higher - but conversely lower - profile in Auckland?

Dominating the headlines but disappearing from beaches, parks and streets.

After several serious attacks on humans, dogs big and small were suddenly a controversial accessory.

Those around yesterday were being watched ... more suspiciously by the public and more protectively by owners.

Free-range dogs are, momentarily, few and far between. Leashes are de rigueur.

The evidence around the city was persuasive.

For example, at Cheltenham Beach on the North Shore there were no dogs mid-afternoon. None on leashes, none running free. This was a sharp contrast to Waitangi Day when dogs of all shapes and sizes, some on leashes, some not, were running in the water and enjoying a frisbee game in the reserve.

It was the same in Mission Bay - crowds of people on a classic summer Sunday, but no dogs on the loose.

In Cornwall Park, Bernadette Rae and Julie Stephens walked their american bulldog and german shepherd respectively.

They were surprised to be the only dog walkers on such a sunny afternoon. They said they were always aware of keeping their dogs in check, even before this spate of attacks, due to the public perception of the breeds.

But it wouldn't stop them, as responsible owners, going out walking.

Dog "professional" Loraine Byrne-King, of the Auckland german shepherd club, refused to be put on the back foot.

She said talk of changing the Dog Control Act to enforce the muzzling of several dog breeds, including german shepherds, was "over the top".

"That's like saying all black men must wear red hats, and all white men must do something else. You can't blame all dogs for something some dogs happen to have done."

Mrs Byrne-King said the attacks were a hot topic of conversation but none of her fellow club members had reported any change in attitude towards their dogs.

Around town, red dog control vans which might have slipped by unnoticed were suddenly visible. There was talk of people reaching out to dogs and their owners and others withdrawing from the animals.

Russell McLachlan, of Mt Eden, went with his family and his daughter's staffordshire terrier, Clay, to Mission Bay yesterday morning. They tied the dog tightly to a cafe chair "not because of any danger we felt for others but because of the headlines".

"Many people walking by stared at Clay and a number flinched and gave a wide berth," said Mr McLachlan. "Then two ladies came up to Clay and put their hands down to stroke Clay. Their hands were licked and licked, then the ladies went into the cafe - saliva-slobbered fingers and all.

"When they came out I decided to talk to them. I asked one question, 'Why did you do it?' They said, 'The dog gets a bad rap. There are bad people! We are animal lovers'."



Mr McLachlan said no one would excuse what happened to young Carolina Anderson, whose mauling highlighted dog dangers.

At Killarney Park on the North Shore, Brian and Laura Kelsey, of Rothesay Bay, said they had been horrified by the dog attacks, which had had an impact on their children.

Jamie, 8, and Ellen, 9, were used to dogs but were now more wary of unknown ones, Mrs Kelsey said.

The family had moved to a house near a park so the children could go and play.

"At the moment I wouldn't let them wander down there."

Mr Kelsey is reluctant to let the children go near a dog because of the "immediate horror" of the attacks. His wife now believes any dog in public should be on a leash.

Another park visitor and dog-owner, Geoff Sandler, said his children had been taught how to behave around dogs.

"We've always been aware of the fact all dogs are not friendly dogs."

Asked what to do if a dog was in the park, 7-year-old Bradley Sandler said, "Ask the owner if I can pat it."

Mr Sandler was in the process of educating his 4-year-old daughter, "who thinks every dog is friendly", not to approach a strange dog before asking the owner first.

Which might well be the lasting message from a strange weekend: Man's best friend ... approach with caution.

- STAFF REPORTERS

Herald feature: When dogs attack

How you can help

A trust fund has been opened for 7-year-old dog attack victim Carolina Anderson. You can send a cheque to: Carolina Anderson Trust Account, BNZ, PO Box 46-294, Herne Bay, or donate over the internet to BNZ account number 020 248 000 3002-000.

The Herald is backing an appeal to raise money for a $150,000 operating-room microscope for Middlemore's plastic surgery unit. The microscope is essential in minute plastic surgery work such as reattaching nerves. Middlemore has two, used on Carolina Anderson and the victims of the Pipiroa sword attack, but they need replacing. Donations can be sent to: The Microsurgery Appeal, Editorial Department, New Zealand Herald, PO Box 706, Auckland.