Key Takeaways
- Dianne Noonan, a 69-year-old cyclist, was attacked by dogs on two separate occasions while cycling in Tauranga and nearby areas.
- The first attack occurred on September 17, when a dog climbed through a fence and bit Noonan’s calf, and the second attack happened on October 16, when a pitbull cross bit her shoe.
- Noonan felt dismissed by the Tauranga City Council and was disappointed in the way they handled the situation, particularly with regard to the release of the impounded dog back to its owner.
- The Hauraki District Council, on the other hand, took more decisive action, classifying the pitbull cross as dangerous and requiring it to wear a muzzle when outside the property.
- Noonan is advocating for a change in the law regarding dog attacks on humans, feeling that dogs’ lives are often prioritized over humans.
Introduction to the Incidents
Dianne Noonan, a 69-year-old cyclist from Matua, had two terrifying encounters with aggressive dogs while cycling in Tauranga and nearby areas. The first incident occurred on September 17, when she was biking along the cycle lane by the Wairoa River Bridge. As she approached, she noticed two dogs barking and acting aggressively towards a cyclist ahead of her. Before she could react, one of the dogs climbed through a fence and attacked her, biting her right calf and then her left calf. Noonan managed to stay on her bike and flee the scene, warning two other cyclists about the aggressive dogs.
The Aftermath of the First Attack
Despite her bleeding leg, Noonan cycled home and then visited her doctor for a wound cleaning and antibiotics. She contacted the Tauranga City Council, and a dog ranger was sent to apprehend the dog. Noonan lodged a formal report and identified the dog, which triggered a post-traumatic response, leaving her very upset. However, six weeks later, the council informed her that the impounded dog had been released back to its owner after an investigation. Noonan was upset and felt dismissed by the council, particularly since she did not receive a formal apology or reimbursement for her medical costs from the owner.
The Council’s Response
Tauranga City Council animal services team leader, Oscar Glossop, explained that the council had repaired the fence, which appeared to have been damaged by cycleway users climbing over it as a shortcut. While he would not reveal the outcomes of the investigation on privacy grounds, he stated that dog owners are responsible for keeping their dogs under control at all times. In general, the council may issue warnings for minor incidents, and for serious or repeat incidents, the owner can be prosecuted, and the dog impounded and euthanized. Alternatively, the council may classify the dog as menacing or dangerous, together with a $300 fine.
The Second Attack
Just four weeks after the first incident, Noonan was attacked again by a pitbull cross while cycling a trail from Waihī to Paeroa. The dog bit her left shoe, but Noonan managed to kick it off, and the owner eventually got the dog under control. Although her $250 shoe was ruined, Noonan was relieved not to have been bitten. She reported the incident to the police, who identified the dog and owner using a photo taken by her husband. The police informed her that the dog had been involved in another incident a year earlier, and Noonan received a formal apology and an offer to reimburse her for the shoes from the owners.
The Hauraki District Council’s Response
A Hauraki District Council spokesperson stated that the pitbull cross had been classified as dangerous, and staff had visited the property to ensure the dog was securely housed. The council works closely with owners to ensure they understand their responsibilities, and the dog is required to wear a muzzle when outside the property. Noonan felt that the Hauraki District Council had taken more decisive action compared to the Tauranga City Council, and she appreciated the owners’ apology and offer to reimburse her for the shoes.
Advocating for Change
Noonan’s experiences have left her advocating for a change in the law regarding dog attacks on humans. She feels that dogs’ lives are often prioritized over humans, and she believes that the law needs to be revised to ensure that dog owners are held accountable for their pets’ actions. Noonan’s story highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership and the need for councils to take decisive action when dealing with aggressive dogs. By sharing her experiences, Noonan hopes to raise awareness about the issue and push for changes that will better protect cyclists and other members of the community from dog attacks.