Jasmine Dodge's daughter, Madison, who was attacked by a bull mastiff - cross in Masterton in May, while the family were at a relative's home.
The dog's owner was prosecuted and has appeared in court three times, despite Miss Dodge not wanting to press charges. The person will appear in court for the final time tomorrow.
Miss Dodge is hopeful the owner will be granted diversion. Two owners were prosecuted in the year ending June 30 for being the owner of a dog involved in an attack, according to a report by the Masterton District Council.
This the highest number to be prosecuted in Masterton over the past four years. Previously, nobody had been prosecuted since 2007/08.
The dog which attacked Madison had been in the family for about 10 years and had been around other children before.
"I guess it was an off-day," Miss Dodge said.
She was nearby in the kitchen, preparing to wipe down the bench after making coffee, when she heard a noise.
"I thought someone had stood on the dog's foot or something," she said.
Madison had been attacked by the dog and was then rushed inside by a relative, before being taken to Masterton Hospital.
"I grabbed [Madison] off her and put the cloth straight on her face," she said.
The dog was put in the garage straight away ready, ready for someone to pick it up to destroy it.
Madison was taken to Hutt Valley Hospital for three days, and the family spent another two weeks in the area waiting on specialist appointments.
The girl had numerous stitches to her face after suffering serious injuries but she's bounced back pretty quick, her mum said.
Madison has been back at kindergarten for a few weeks and is still getting used to dogs again. "She's not too keen on them at the moment, but she is getting better," Miss Dodge said.
Of the 5430 registered dogs in the Masterton area, 12 are classified as dangerous. There are 56 dogs classed as menacing by deed, because they have attacked either people or domestic animals, have shown aggressive behaviour or have been rushing at people or animals.
There are also 60 dogs labelled menacing by breed, including 25 American pit bull terriers. The council also received 957 complaints about dogs, the highest number for the four-year period, although only 22 of those were for attacks on a person.
(Wairarapa Times-Age - August 9, 2011)
