Wine label dog attacked outside vets

Zealand, a book on the various dogs often seen at vineyards across the country.

Hill’s husband, Colin Hill, said he was devastated to hear of Phoebe’s death, and that he was not there to comfort Paula. He was in the United Kingdom on business at the time.

He hoped Marlborough District Council would prosecute the owner of the dog, and called for tighter restrictions on particular breeds.

‘‘These attack dogs now have the blood scent. Who or what will be next? Another dog or a child chasing a ball in a park? We all have a duty of care but it is the council’s ultimate responsibility to take action to keep everyone safe in these matters.

‘‘The answer is always a muzzle, then they cannot bite. They need to be identified and being out without a muzzle, there’s a fine. You can get a bite or nip from any dog, usually because of something you have done, but some dogs are bred for hunting and killing reasons and it’s in their mindset, and they are very dangerous.’’

Vets On Alabama confirmed the incident but said it could not comment further as it was bound by the Privacy Act.

A Marlborough District Council spokesman said the council was investigating the incident, but could not comment further until the investigation was complete. He could not reveal the breed of the dog.

The Dog Control Act lists five breeds as menacing, which means the owner must ensure they are muzzled at all times in public. They are american pit bull terriers, brazilian fila, dogo argentino, japanese tosa and perro de presa canario.