Canine carnage follows children's prank

School children playing a prank are being blamed for the carnage that followed when a gate was left open and three rottweilers got loose.

It resulted in two injured dogs, three other dogs being destroyed, and veterinary bills totalling $3150.

One rottweiler, Snoop, has already been put down and a Christchurch District Court judge today ordered the destruction of the other two, Zephyr and Minx.

A Linwood extended family of 11, mainly struggling on benefits, will have to give up its remaining dog to be put down and faces the bulk of the repayment to the woman owner of the two shiba inu dogs that were injured in the attack.

The owner and breeder of these two show dogs was disturbed after witnessing the attack in Linwood Park on June 9, 2010, and continues to have counselling.

The case made its seventh appearance before the courts, set down for sentencing at the Rangiora Court House today, and the dog owner has been there every time.

Before the court were Damietta Beryl Frances Porima, 40, and her daughter Samantha-Lee Powell, 22, who live together in Linwood with their children and grandchildren.

The women had pleaded guilty to two charges of owning rottweilers that attacked the other dogs.

Walter Porima had pleaded guilty by letter and was also being sentenced although he was not present.

Defence counsel Allister Davis said Walter Porima now lived in Invercargill and he believed he was on a benefit, like the two women who were struggling for money to keep the large household running.

The women believed school children had played a prank and opened a gate, letting the rottweilers out.

The dogs went to nearby Linwood Park where they attacked and injured the shiba inus who were walking with their owner. One of them was badly hurt.

Davis said one of the rottweilers was in pup and there was a suggestion the others were being protective.

The family's limited finances meant it had not been able to afford a more secure gate for the property.

Judge Brian Callaghan said that if school children had opened the gate, it had not been latched very successfully. "It is encumbent on all dog owners, particularly those with dogs such as rottweilers, to ensure that gates are fixed so they cannot get out."

It was clear that both households had close relationships with their sets of dogs and treated them as members of their extended families. "It is well recorded that there are positive benefits in people having good relationships with their dogs."

He ordered Walter and Damietta Porima to each pay $1250 towards the vet bill, and $200 to the owner for emotional harm. The daughter, Powell, will have to pay $650 for the bill and $200 for emotional harm.

The parents will pay at a rate of $15 a week, and the daughter at a rate of $10 a week. The rate will be reviewed after six months.

The judge also ordered the destruction of the two remaining dogs. Minx is already in the care of the Christchurch City Council, and Zephyr is living at home with the family in Linwood.

- © Fairfax NZ News