By Finn Blackwell of RNZ
Mihiata Te Rore was tragically mauled to death by dogs at a property that had been visited by Animal Control officers four times, including the day before the attack.
Te Rore, 62, was visiting a person she knew in Kaihu, Northland, when the attack occurred on Tuesday. The three dogs involved in the attack lived at the property.
This incident marks the third dog-related fatality in Northland in the past four years, prompting calls for more action from local and central government to address the issue.
The Kaipara District Council stated that they had received four complaints about the dogs in November, December, and this week, responding to each request promptly. Despite multiple visits to the property and attempts to communicate with the owner, the council was unable to address the issue effectively.
The council’s animal management team is currently investigating the incident, and the three dogs involved have been impounded and will be euthanized after the police complete their investigation.
Locals in the community have raised concerns about the dogs in the past, with reports of attacks and aggressive behavior towards other animals. However, little action had been taken to address these issues prior to the fatal attack on Te Rore.
The council’s statistics show a significant increase in the number of dogs impounded over the past few years, indicating a growing problem with dog-related incidents in the area.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has called for swift action from the Kaipara District Council to address the issue and ensure the safety of residents in the community.
Despite calls for legislative reforms to address dog control laws, Auckland Council’s Animal Management department has faced challenges in getting the government to consider changes to existing regulations.
Police are urging anyone in the Kaihu community who has experienced issues with roaming dogs to come forward and share their experiences. The investigation into Te Rore’s death is ongoing, with authorities focused on determining all the facts surrounding the case.
“The prevalence of dogs and the high cost of veterinary care, combined with limited accessibility to vets, is a major issue in Kaihu,” she stated.
“Residents here have to travel 90 kilometers to Whangarei for desexing services, which is quite a challenge.”
She also highlighted the cost factor, mentioning, “The prices can range from $350 at a low-cost vet in Whangarei, but the vets in Kaipara and Wellsford are even more expensive. We recently desexed a 56-kilo aggressive female dog, which would have cost the owner over $1200.”
Woodward expressed concern about the normalization of aggressive dog behavior in Northland.
“In many Northland communities, there is an unspoken understanding about avoiding certain dogs in specific areas. It’s disheartening to hear about tourists on our cycle trails being chased by dogs. Unfortunately, it has almost become a norm in this region.”
“The dog issue in Northland is massive and needs urgent attention.”
