Latest dog attack sparks warning

The unregistered pitbull which attacked three people who went on to its property on Monday. Photo / Stephen Parker

A dog attack in Rotorua that left three people injured is a reminder for canine owners and the public, says a Rotorua District Council Animal Control supervisor.

It is understood a boy jumped the fence of a neighbour's Koutu property on Monday to retrieve a ball and was attacked by one of two unregistered dogs.

It was previously believed the dog which attacked the trio was registered. Police are investigating but as yet no charges have been laid.

The boy's mother and her friend, both in their 20s, were also attacked when they went on to the property.

A Rotorua Hospital spokeswoman said two of the victims were in a stable condition and the 8-year-old boy was discharged yesterday.

Rotorua District Council Animal Control supervisor Kevin Coutts said they were "always very concerned" whenever there was a dog attack.

"We're very relieved the injuries resulting from yesterday's incident were not worse," Mr Coutts said, adding the occurrence of dog attacks in Rotorua were no worse than anywhere else in New Zealand "but this week's incident was a reminder for dog owners to ensure dogs were under control and the need for others to be wary of dogs not known to them".

"We are speaking to dog owners and the general public all the time, doing what we can to educate them. In certain situations, all dogs are capable of attacking.

Mr Coutts said the dogs at the Neil Rd property were in a fenced section, one was tied up, and the other was not.

"The best thing other people can do is be aware of the potential dangers and educate their children to be wary of and stay clear of dogs they don't know," Mr Coutts said.

Both dogs were unregistered but they were micro-chipped and de-sexed, as required for all dogs classified as a menacing breed.

Mr Coutts said other than a report of barking, there had been no previous reported incidents involving the two dogs.

Both dogs were seized but the one not involved in the attack could be retrieved by the owner, provided registration and fees were paid, he said. The other dog would remain at the dog pound pending the outcome of the police investigation.

A police spokeswoman said it was too early to know whether charges would be laid.

In the past 12 months in Rotorua, council animal control staff dealt with 69 reported incidents involving dogs biting people and four people were prosecuted. Fifteen of those incidents involved pit bull types.