WARNING: This story contains graphic images and content.
A Western Bay of Plenty man wants the dogs who attacked his border collie Molly, leaving “horrifying" gaping wounds, locked up so they can’t hurt anyone else.
Paul Gibbs thought someone had put a red collar on his dog when she arrived on the deck at their Whakamārama home around 9am on December 4.
After a closer look, he realised his 13-year-old dog was bleeding from "horrifying" gaping wounds and her neck had been “ripped open”.
Gibbs said he believed she was attacked by two German shepherds that came from a ute filling up at a nearby petrol station.
“I thought she'd been hit by a car, but she never leaves our property," he said.
“She’s literally got stitches from the top of her neck, right around to the bottom.
Gibbs said he saw a ute pull into their property and a man put two dogs in the vehicle.
He said he tried to stop the man from leaving but was bitten on the hand, drawing blood.
“It was quite painful. I had to go to the doctor to get a tetanus shot and get it treated.”
A police officer ― who was driving past and flagged down by Gibbs ― attempted to stop the driver leaving the property, Gibbs said.
He said the police put out spikes to stop the vehicle, but the driver avoided them and drove away.
Molly required immediate surgery, antibiotics and needed daily vet visits to check the wounds, Gibbs said.
Gibbs was told on Monday, December 18, she no longer needed daily vet visits and would be seen in two days’ time.
“They’re [the vet] really quite happy with the progress.”
The vet bills have cost thousands of dollars and vets weren’t sure initially whether Molly would be okay, he said.
“They stitched her all up, but they didn't know how it was going to go.
“The infection was a big thing that was knocking her around. [The vet] didn't ever say in so many words that she was going to die, but they don't say that sort of thing."
Gibbs said he wanted action to ensure the dogs can’t hurt anyone else.
“It could have been kids. My grandkids live on the same property.
“[The dogs] could go out and attack someone else, there's no doubt about it.
“It's quite a serious matter that needs to be dealt with really quickly, even if the dogs are located and locked up.”
Gibbs reported the attack to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and he is considering filling an assault charge with police against the dog owner for biting him.
A police spokesperson confirmed an officer assisted after a dog attack at a Whakamārama property and the matter had been referred to animal control.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council team leader of animal services Peter Hrstich said the council was investigating the incident.
“We are aware of a dog attack that took place at a private property in Whakamārama on December 4," he said.
“We are investigating the incident, but it is too early to say what action will be taken.
“There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when a dog attack takes place and it is important that we take the time to gather all the information so that the appropriate action can be taken.”
The council would consider the degree of injuries; the owner and dog’s history, such as previous attacks; whether it was provoked; what level of control the owner had over the dog at the time; and the environment in which the incident took place, said Hrstich.
After a dog attack, the council gathers evidence before compiling a report, he said.
"Depending on the circumstances of the attack and what is available to us, evidence can include video footage, photographs, and statements from witnesses."
Asked for an update on the investigation, Hrstich said the investigation was ongoing.
"It is important that we take the necessary time to gather and compile all the evidence available to us, before coming to a decision."
A decision was not expected until the New Year, he said.
By Alisha Evans for Local Democracy Reporting
Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
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