Manurewa-Papakura Ward councillor Daniel Newman. Photo:
- A woman was seriously injured in a dog attack in Manurewa
- A councillor wants the government to do more to prevent dog attacks and hold owners accountable
- The councillor is still traumatised after suffering from a dog attack himself
A councillor is calling for irresponsible pet owners to face harsher consequences after a vicious dog attack in South Auckland.
Manurewa-Papakura Ward councillor Daniel Newman said a woman was mauled by three pitbulls on Churchill Avenue on 17 November.
"She was hospitalised after suffering significant injuries and continues to receive care."
Newman said the dogs had been euthanised.
"I've been advised that the dogs were owned by someone at a property in Manurewa.
"The owner begrudgingly relinquished the dogs and the dogs were destroyed."
He said the council was investigating the incident and prosecuting the owner was a possibility.
He said a dog attack against a person or another animal was terrifying and unacceptable.
"It's appalling that this happened and tragically it's not the first time. It happens all to often in our community."
The council's animal management report showed in the year to June, 60 aggressive canines in the South Auckland suburb of Papakura were reported and ordered to get neutered.
There had been almost 2500 attacks in Auckland in that 12 month period - 250 more than the same time last year.
Newman said there had been a concerning increase in feral dogs in his area.
"Animals that are not cared for or looked after consistently a problem in relation to dog attacks.
"This is a great concern for the welfare of the animals as well as the wider community."
In September, the council said South Auckland had the highest number of roaming dogs in the region.
He said the statistics highlighted the importance of council investing in animal management officers and and animal shelters.
Newman said addressing dog attacks became a priority for him after a harrowing personal experience.
He said he was still traumatised after being attacked by two pitbulls near Manurewa Train station in 2013.
"The owner was unable to control these dogs as they charged at and bit me.
"It was a very traumatic experience that has left me struggling over the years to be approached by certain dog breeds."
He said existing legislation does not hold owners responsible enough for neglecting their pets welfare.
"There are owners who are irresponsible and downright useless who have no care for their dog's behaviour.
"Frankly, I am tired of having to put rates up to employ more staff to enforce the Dog Control Act."
He wanted the government to increase penalties against owners for offences and mandate desexing.
"If you are going to own a dog you should have the responsibility of desexing that dog. I think that is entirely appropriate in most circumstances."
He said there also needed to be an adequate and sustained campaign to promote de-sexing pets.
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