Judge Says: "Pit Bull is a Loaded Shotgun"
Dog Attacks Visiting TherapistHastings, New Zealand - A man who left his pit bull unrestrained like a "loaded shotgun" is facing a possible jail sentence after the dog savaged an occupational therapist on a house visit. Rangi Kenrick, 38, appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday to plead guilty to owning a dog that seriously injured a person, and owning an unregistered dog. District Court Judge Geoff Rea likened leaving the pit bull unrestrained to:
"Leaving a loaded shotgun lying around."
The attack happened when the occupational therapist went to Kenrick's house on August 27 to treat Kenrick's mother. The woman had been to the house before and had never noticed a dog. She knocked on the door several times then shouted to her patient, but received no response. She walked to the side of the property. As she went through an open gate, a black, medium-sized pit bull terrier ran at her from the back of the property.
The dog bit her many times on her left elbow, left thigh and calf, and right index finger, inflicting serious wounds. When she screamed for help, Kenrick's mother came and pulled the dog away. A neighbor took the therapist to a hospital, where she needed surgery and stayed for
seven days. When animal control officers confronted Kenrick, he admitted the dog was his. It was impounded and two days later destroyed.
Under the Dog Control Act, Kenrick could be sentenced to prison for up to three years or fined up to $20,000, or both. Related articles:07/31/08:
What's the Difference Between an Alligator and a Pit Bull?04/21/08:
Flashback: Judge Jovanovich Says Pit Bulls Belong in Zoos
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