This attack adds to a recent string of serious dog attacks that have reignited discussions about revising the current 30-year-old dog control law. In Christchurch, a father and his teenage son were hospitalized after a dog attack over the weekend. Tragically, Mihiata Te Rore, 62, lost her life after being attacked by three dogs while visiting a property in Kaihu, north of Dargaville.
The New Plymouth resident, identified as Amelia, was cycling on a popular route outside the city when the dog approached her on Tikorangi East Road. Despite traveling at around 40 km/h, she slowed down upon hearing barking and encountered the German pointer staffy dog that bit her leg.
Amelia described the incident, stating, “As I slowed past it, it just came up next to me and chomped its jaws around my right leg while I was on my bike.” The dog then moved to the other side of the road, continuing to bark at her.
The attack left Amelia with multiple deep puncture wounds on her leg, hindering her ability to walk properly. She expressed frustration as she was in training for a race in March. Residents in the area came to her aid, with one individual mentioning that the same dog had bitten his foot the week prior.
Authorities swiftly responded to the incident, with Animal Control Officers promptly removing the dog from the scene. The New Plymouth District Council confirmed the impoundment of the dog and initiated an investigation into the matter.
Amelia commended the rapid and efficient actions of the animal control officers, noting that they took the dog away while she was being attended to in the ambulance. Despite her injuries, she remains hopeful for a swift recovery to resume her training.
