Community shocked after fatal dog attack in Northland

Moerewa's community is shocked and grieving after an elderly woman was killed in a dog attack yesterday.

Far North deputy mayor Kelly Stratford requested privacy for the small Northland community, as they dealt with the tragedy.

Two other people were injured in the dog attack, which happened on the dead woman's property on Otiria Rd.

The animal involved was reportedly shot by a neighbour, before police arrived.

Stratford said the dog's body was removed from the scene by Animal Control.

A family member in Moerewa told RNZ his aunt had been killed.

The elderly woman had been hanging out washing when a dog came onto her property and attacked her.

Yesterday, distraught family members gathered outside the house.

Police were alerted to the attack at about 4.40pm and arrived to find the woman's body, acting Senior Sergeant James Calvert said.

A scene examination is currently being undertaken.

Police confirmed the dog had been killed and there was no ongoing risk to the public in relation to the attacks.

St John Ambulance said two people suffered moderate injuries, after being attacked by the dog.

Earlier, it was reported two people had been taken to hospital.

One has been discharged and the other transferred to Middlemore Hospital.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

Last year, Northland man Neville Thomson, 69, was attacked by dogs he was temporarily looking after.

The attack happened on Thomson's property in Pānguru.

A Northland dog welfare group said the local council had a history of poor enforcement of animal control bylaws.

Leonie Exel of Bay of Islands WatchDogs said people used to let dogs wander freely in the region.

“But you can't have community dogs in an urban setting without causing terrible problems,” she said.

Poverty in Northland meant many people could not afford to properly fence properties and did not have time to adequately train and care for their dogs, Exel said.

The SPCA says responsible pet owners are a crucial factor in preventing such tragedies.

SPCA animal services general manager Corey Regnerus-Kell said proper training, socialisation and control of dogs were critical to ensure the safety of the community.

rnz.co.nz