An Auckland couple has been sentenced to community detention after their dog seriously injured a toddler playing in a car park.
During the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, Paerau Takimoana and Shannon Devlyn brought their American bulldog X, Korowai, to an emergency housing facility.
The dog was left unsupervised and unrestrained in the facility car park where children, including a two-year-old boy, were playing, Auckland Council said today in a media release.
The boy sat on the dog and Korowai reacted by biting him on the head and face.
He was rushed to hospital after sustaining a 10cm laceration over his forehead and a 2cm laceration below his right eyebrow which had exposed his frontal bone.
The boy underwent plastic surgery and was discharged three days later.
More than 1000 Auckland children were attacked by dogs last year. Little Azaiah needed surgery and months of recovery after being attacked. (Source: 1News)
Takimoana and Devlyn initially pleaded not guilty to the charges under S58 of the Dog Control Act and elected trial by jury, but later pleaded guilty to the offences in February 2024.
The couple were yesterday convicted and sentenced in the Auckland District Court by Judge June Jelas. Takimoana was handed a sentence of five months and three weeks community detention, extended by one week due to remission of fines, while Devlyn was sentenced to four months community detention.
Both defendants were “genuinely remorseful” and apologetic, according to the Crown prosecutor.
A destruction order for the dog was made in the Auckland District Court, and Animal Management are currently talking with the owner to assist with the process.
Auckland Council animal management manager Elly Waitoa said the convictions serve as a reminder to dog owners of their responsibilities.
“Dog safety around children is paramount. Owners need to understand young children are vulnerable in a dog's presence, regardless of whether it is a family pet or an unknown dog,” Waitoa said.
“It is an owner's responsibility to make sure their dog is always under control, as too many children are being bitten by dogs. Already we've had reports of around 30 dog attacks on children this year, and that's only the tip of the iceberg.”
