Christchurch dog attack: Council told owner it cannot force payment for costs
A Christchurch woman is seeking accountability after her dog and a friend were attacked by a neighbor's dog. The local council has informed the owner that it cannot legally force the attacking dog's owner to pay for the resulting veterinary and medical costs.
Why it matters
The story highlights gaps in local animal control legislation regarding liability and compensation for victims of dog attacks.
A Christchurch woman says her dog is “fearful and reactive” after an attack on a residential street. A friend who was walking the pet was also injured while trying to intervene.
The woman, whom the Herald has agreed not to name, said her friend walked her 8-month-old dog as she had to work.
But another dog jumped over a property’s fence and lunged at the pair.
“The dog bit and punctured her leg, causing significant bruising. It also grabbed onto my puppy, who she was holding at the time, and would not let go,” the woman said.
She said three women were in the front garden of the property where the dog came from, and while one rushed to help, she was unable to remove the dog.
“A bystander eventually had to grab the dog’s legs and pull him away to get him to release my puppy,” she said.
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