Sunday, March 31, 2013

Attack not the first for killer dogs

NEW ZEALAND - Two large dogs that mauled a pilates instructor to death have attacked before, police say.

Chloe Jane Mathewson, 31, of Rosedale, was found dead with horrific injuries on the driveway of a semi-rural property in Redvale.


The Herald on Sunday understands she had been visiting a friend, Andrew Wai Poi, 52, who owned three Rottweilers.

Detective Inspector Greg Cramer said closed-circuit TV footage revealed two of the dogs attacked Mathewson as she left the house on Friday morning.

"A post-mortem examination carried out (yesterday) confirmed Chloe suffered horrific injuries inflicted by the dogs," Cramer said.

Police ruled out their initial suspicions of homicide yesterday. Cramer said the dogs were removed by Animal Control and destroyed.

A source said the same dogs had previously attacked a neighbour's cattle, inflicting "nasty injuries" on the stock.

He said the police inquiry would focus on the culpability of owning dangerous dogs.

"It is hard to believe the harm that dogs cause to innocent people yet the dog lobby put huge pressure on the Government to water down our dog control laws," he said.


Mathewson's former boss at In Shape Studios, Helen Chisholm, said she was a "super" pilates instructor who would be missed.

"It is absolutely horrific and our thoughts are with her family and friends," Chisholm said.

Police said it was too early to confirm whether charges would be laid or not.

(New Zealand Herald - Mar 31, 2013)

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