Child’s ear torn in dog attack

Police are investigating after¯ a dog attacked two children in Opo¯tiki, almost severing one’s ear.

O¯po¯tiki police Sergeant Mike Mackenzie said the dog attack that took place in Ford St on Saturday about 7pm became a police matter after two youngsters were so badly injured they had to go to hospital.

The children injured were a 7-yearold and a 9-year-old.

“One of the kids had an ear almost severed,” Mackenzie said. “We are still speaking to witnesses but it appears the dog jumped a fence and attacked.”

Mackenzie said it was the obligation of dog owners to keep their dogs in their yards. The dog that attacked was considered a “dangerous” dog, he said.

“Pending the results of the investigation, it’s possible the dog will be put¯ down.”

Opo¯tiki woman Maude Maxwell, whose family was subjected to a dog attack in January 2013, said the community had¯ a big role to play in sorting out Opo¯tiki’s dog problem.

“Report all roaming dogs — you know where they live and who they belong to,” she said.

“Roaming dogs are dogs that have no security where they live.”

Maxwell suggested people should report all dogs that are attacking animals and people with as many facts and evidence as possible.

“Yes, you’re policing now but who cares,” she said.

“If you’re afraid to approach the owner, which I would suggest you don’t do anyway, report it to animal control.”

In many cases, events that were discussed on social media had not been reported to the O¯ po¯tiki District Council.

“You might say that the council and animal control are nothing — well, neither are we if you don’t report it,” Maxwell said.

“Putting up notices on social media brings awareness, which is great, but this is not the reporting process. You still need to report these incidents.”

Maxwell said the young man who had come to the aid of the children during the Saturday evening attack was “a hero”.

O¯po¯tiki District Council planning and regulatory manager Gerard Mccormack said the matter was under investigation.

“Given the injuries involved, the matter is with the police and they are the lead agency.

“Two unregistered dogs have been removed from the property, including the one that carried out the attack. They have been impounded,” Mccormack said.

— Whakatane Beacon

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