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Young girl attacked by dog

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Sun, 29 May 2011 8:23a.m.

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide pledged a reform of dog control laws before the November election.

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide pledged a reform of dog control laws before the November election.

A second young girl is to have surgery on her face after separate dog attacks yesterday.

A two-year-old girl is expected to be operated on today in Whakatane Hospital after she was attacked by a dog yesterday afternoon.

Earlier a four-year-old girl suffered serious facial injuries after being attacked by a dog in Masterton.

The girl was visiting family in Masterton when the bull mastiff cross became aggressive, pinned her to the ground and bit her face.

Police said the girl, who will need reconstructive surgery, was being supervised by an adult and the dog had been a family pet for 10 years "without problem".

The dog had been surrendered for destruction and police were looking at charging the owners.

The two-year-old was expected to go into surgery today after the attack in Kawerau about 2.30pm yesterday, the Herald on Sunday reported.

Emergency department doctor Dr Marius Keyser said the girl was last night in a stable condition and her family was at her bedside.

The dog has been taken to the local pound.

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide pledged a reform of dog control laws before the November election.

Dog control laws were failing to protect the public, he said.

"These two nasty attacks highlight the need for a decent review rather than constant kneejerk political reactions."

Last week a Bay of Plenty woman had her scalp torn off by an American pitbull dog after it joined in on an attack allegedly started by her sister.

NZPA

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Comments

03 Jul 2011 12:56p.m.

luke robson wrote:

Firstly, it is unfortunate that anyone has to suffer the consequences of an untrained dog. Secondly, I own a dog (pitbull cross with german shepherd) that is trained to do as I say. When I am around my dog knows that I am boss, when I am not around my dog has been trained to defend her territory. Since I know she will attack when I am not around I take responsibility and ensure my property is sufficiently fenced. My dog understands many commands. I can tell my dog to be nice and she will be. I can tell my dog to attack and she will. How can I be so sure she won't attack when I am around? Because I took the time to know my dog and train her. Children don't have the intelligence to know that they must respect a dogs territory, or the dog will likely attack/defend it's territory. As a responsible dog owner, I know that even though I have trained my dog I must watch children around my dog - not because my dog is an 'attacking dog', but rather because children (and many adults) don't know how dogs think. Certain breeds are not the problem - people owning dogs without education on how to control their dogs is the problem. Want to know how to significantly reduce the number of dog attacks? Make it mandatory for anyone who want to own a dog to pass a 'dog owners licence'. The licence should be based on the sound priciples of Ceasar Milan. If anyones dog does attacks someone punish the owner with some real consequences - like imprisionment for a decent amount of time - start making examples of people who don't care and maybe other irresponsible people will start caring when they're faced with a lengthy sentence. Any dog that attacks should never be put down - I and ceasar milan could train ANY dog that attacks to change. I can't understand so many of the stupid laws that we have had for years that simply don't work. I challenge any government official to a debate about my comments and my suggestion of a 'dog owners licence' based on Ceasar Milan's principles.

29 May 2011 12:21p.m.

Chris wrote:

It only takes a few dog attacks to get people talking about banning certain breeds.....I wonder how many children have to be murdered before we can have a conversation about banning certain types of parents?

29 May 2011 11:24a.m.

Aron wrote:

Mr Hide is right there needs to be a MAJOR change to dog laws in New Zealand

29 May 2011 11:18a.m.

kels wrote:

I just want to say my heart goes out to the little girl and her family but tn the owners of the dog as well. Although im against the fact that the dog is to be put down and the owners shouldnt be charged. Honestly. Who in there right minds would let children go near any dog at that age? Its like letting your child step into infested shark waters on their territory but when they attack do they get euthenised? No cos its what they do. Beware of dog signs no9 why do you think those were made? To scare people or coz tha dog is dangerous? No matter how long you have a dog no matter how many tricks you can teach it, you can never change a dogs natrual habits. The only man that can help you interact with your dog is ceaser milan. But even then your dog will still have that aggresiveness in it. I dont think anyone should put a dog down. But i guess these are the consequences we face everyday. To the girl and her family and the owners of the beautiful dog they have lost forever.