Owner of pit bull which mauled victim apologizes then says pit bulls are "picked on"

NEW ZEALAND -- The owner of two american pit bull terriers that attacked two women at Otaki Beach has been sentenced after telling one of the victims that pitbulls were being "picked on".

Julie Harrison and her elderly neighbour Glenys Richardson were attacked outside their homes in Moana St on November 28 last year by neighbouring dogs: a two year-old pit bull named "Ali" and nine-month-old pit bull named "Puppy" when they escaped from their property.

Floyd Richards, 25, of Paraparaumu, and Kelly Murray, 21, of Otaki, appeared in the Levin District Court yesterday after each pleaded guilty to two charges of a dog attack on a person, causing serious injury, and one charge of a dog attack on a person.

Judge Gerard Lynch sentenced Richards to four months' community detention, 200 hours' community service and a daily curfew of 9pm-5am.

He was ordered to pay $900 to one victim, and $500 to the other, as well as $1000 to each for emotional trauma.

Murray was remanded to reappear for sentencing at a later date.

Judge Lynch, quoting from one victim's statement, said Richards had shown remorse by apologising to the woman, but did not accept that pit bulls were dangerous or menacing and believed the breed was "picked on".

The emotional horror of the attacks had resulted in panic attacks for the victims, flashbacks, shame of disfigurement and ongoing medical treatment, the judge said.

He warned that it was crucial for dangerous breeds of dogs to be kept secured.

Ms Harrison was attacked in her driveway when the larger pit bull latched on to her leg. She dragged the dog along, and started to yell.

As she approached her door, the dog let go and she grabbed its front legs. But it bit her arm, at the same time as the younger pit bull inflicted puncture wounds to her neck.

With Ali hanging on to her arm, she slammed the door three times on the dog's head, and had to rip her arm from its jaws to close the door.

Mrs Richardson heard her screams, and came to help. The larger pit bull then latched on to her leg, pulling her to the ground.

She got back on her feet, but the dog hung on to her as she saw bits of flesh scattered on the road. Another neighbour drove his vehicle towards the pit bull, which made the dog let go.

Both women were taken to hospital and required surgery. Mrs Richardson needs to wear a pressure bandage for two years.

The dogs were destroyed after the attack.

Kapiti Coast District Council spokeswoman Tamsin Evans said it was pleased it had pursued the action, and the victims were pleased Richards realised the seriousness of the incident and had volunteered payments.

(Stuff.co.nz - Aug 29 2013)