Dog owner meets mauled victim

The owner of four pig dogs which badly mauled a young Waihou boy has met the 13-year-old victim and his mother to apologise.

Stewart Witeri, 37, visited the family at their farmhouse near Te Aroha on Tuesday night, just after the boy was discharged from hospital after surgery to his legs, arms and buttocks.

Morrinsville police charged Mr Witeri yesterday with owning a dog causing injury and failing to register a dog.

Stewart received about 100 bite marks in the frenzied attack eight days ago.

The four bull terrier/greyhound cross dogs were destroyed the next day.

Mr Witeri said the visit to the family had lifted a load from his shoulders.

"It was a good meeting ... The boy was rapt and his mum was pleased to see me."

Mr Witeri is due to appear in Morrinsville District Court next week on the charges.

Sergeant Rod Smart, of Morrinsville, said the boy was recovering from his injuries but may bear emotional scars.

- © Fairfax NZ News