Auckland couple Paerau Takimoana and Shannon Devlyn have been sentenced to community detention.
This came after their American bulldog, Korowai, seriously injured a toddler playing in a car park during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
The dog was left unsupervised and unrestrained in the facility’s car park, where children, including a two-year-old boy, were playing.
Korowai bit the boy on the head and face, causing a 10cm laceration over his forehead.
Also, there was a 2cm laceration below his right eyebrow, which exposed his frontal bone.
The boy underwent plastic surgery and was discharged three days later.
The couple initially pleaded not guilty to the charges under S58 of the Dog Control Act but later pleaded guilty in February 2024.
Judge June Jelas convicted and sentenced the couple in the Auckland District Court.
Takimoana was sentenced to five months and three weeks of community detention.
This was extended one week due to the remission of fines, while Devlyn was sentenced to four months.
The convictions remind dog owners of their responsibilities to ensure dog safety around children and to ensure their dog is always under control.
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