Owner fights to save dog’s life

As the dog’s owner, Leatherby pleaded guilty to three charges of owning a dog that rushed at a person and one of failing to register a dog. Under the Dog Control Act, a conviction for such offending puts the canine’s life in doubt, as a district court judge is given the discretion to order its destruction.

In Titan’s case, the summary of facts outlined how its first victim, a New Plymouth police constable, was driving his patrol car along Devon St West about 3.20pm on December 14, when he saw a group of children signalling for his help.

‘‘The children were holding a smaller black dog and the dog Titan was with the group of children unrestrained.’’

As the constable walked towards the group, Titan charged at him, growling and snarling.

The dog attempted to bite the police officer’s leg and as he walked backwards, he had to kick out at Titan to keep him away.

‘‘As the constable attempted to deploy his OC spray, Titan leapt up and tried to bite the constable on the arm,’’ the summary of facts stated.

The constable called for help from the New Plymouth District Council’s (NPDC) animal control unit.

Soon after, the father of one of the children arrived and Titan rushed at him, leapt up and tried to bite his arm.

When the animal control officer arrived, Titan also lunged at her before taking off down the street.

‘‘As Titan was restrained with the dog pole it aggressively struggled to get free.’’

The dog was then impounded by NPDC.

When Leatherby was spoken to, about a fortnight later, he said people were moving out of the property where Titan was housed and must have left the gate open.

‘‘The defendant pointed out that Titan had been raised around six kids and that he is like a ‘teddy bear’,’’ the summary of facts stated.

Checks showed Titan was last registered during the 2013/2014 period.

During Leatherby’s appearance in the New Plymouth District Court on Thursday, Judge Harrison said Titan’s destruction was ‘‘highly likely’’.

Leatherby indicated, through duty lawyer Jo Woodcock, that he intended to fight that possibility.

Woodcock said he had a ‘‘sound’’ argument and asked for a remand to be granted so Leatherby had time to prepare his case.

Stephanie Simpkin, on behalf of NPDC, opposed a further adjournment and said the defendant had already been given ample time by the court.

The judge granted the adjournment, but indicated to Leatherby it was his final chance. He will reappear in court on August 3, where he will be sentenced and a decision on Titan’s fate decided.