Council welcomes High Court decision following serious dog attack

Published on 07 August 2026

Thames-Coromandel District Council welcomes the High Court's decision to dismiss an appeal against convictions arising from a serious dog attack in Tairua. The High Court upheld the original findings of the District Court and dismissed the appeal.

The attack left the victim with significant injuries and required them to be airlifted to hospital. Following a detailed investigation, Council prosecuted the dog owner, securing convictions in the District Court. The Court also ordered that the dogs involved be euthanised. The subsequent appeal against those convictions has now been dismissed by the High Court.

Group Manager Regulatory and Planning, Brian Taylor, said the outcome reflects the importance of responsible dog ownership and the role councils play in protecting public safety.

"This was an extremely serious attack that had a significant impact on the victim. Council has a responsibility to investigate incidents of this nature and take appropriate action where warranted. We are pleased the Courts have upheld the original decision.

"This case is a reminder of the importance of keeping dogs under effective control. The Courts found the dogs involved were not under their owner's control, and the consequences of that failure were extremely serious."

Dog attacks continue to attract national attention, with incidents regularly reported across New Zealand. While most dog owners act responsibly, Mr Taylor said owners must understand local dog control rules and ensure their dogs are always under effective control.

"Owning a dog comes with responsibilities. Knowing the rules, keeping dogs under control, and considering the safety of other people, animals and public spaces are all part of being a responsible dog owner.

"Responsible dog ownership isn't optional. It’s a requirement of every dog owner and it's essential for public safety."

Council regularly monitors compliance with dog control requirements and takes a range of enforcement actions where necessary, including education, infringements and prosecutions for serious offending.

Looking ahead to the busy summer period, Council will be taking a firmer and more consistent approach to non-compliance in public places where large numbers of people and dogs mix, including beaches, town centres and reserves.

"Most dog owners do the right thing, but where there is repeated or serious non-compliance, we will take appropriate enforcement action. People should expect to see Council taking a more active approach to ensuring dog control rules are being followed."

Council is also encouraging dog owners to support its Lead the Way campaign, which promotes responsible dog ownership and encourages owners to set a positive example for others.

"Education remains a key part of our approach, which is why we'll continue promoting our Lead the Way campaign.

"As we head towards summer, we're asking dog owners to lead by example. Small actions like using a lead where required, carrying waste bags, understanding where dogs can and can't go, and keeping dogs under control help make our communities safer and more enjoyable for everyone."