Dog returns to continue attack on mother, child

A Wanganui woman was attacked twice by a large dog on Friday - once even after the dog had been taken back to its property by its owners.

Angela Munro was cycling down Parkdale Drive just before 3pm with her 22-month-old daughter, Jaime, on board when a dog bolted from a property across the road and attacked her.

"I heard a dog barking and then this dark brown ugly thing started biting my foot as I was pedalling," Mrs Munro said.

She stopped the bike and the dog bit her again.

Concerned for her daughter, Mrs Munro, who was wearing jandals, started yelling which alerted the owners of the dog, and a motorist who stopped to help and called St John Ambulance.

The dog was put back on the property but as Mrs Munro was being helped, the dog escaped and came back to attack her.

"I was terrified the dog was going to get me again," she said.

The apologetic owners called Wanganui District Council's Animal Control who came to collect the dog.

The animal control officer told Mrs Munro any medical costs would be covered and to keep all her receipts, however Mrs Munro was now uncertain who was going to pay the costs for the ambulance, $20 for the Whanganui Accident and Medical Clinic visit, and the medication.

ACC is covering her loss of income from her employment.

Mrs Munro suffered two puncture bites to the sole of her foot, one puncture bite on the top, and bruising. She has been on crutches and was unable to work at her Friday evening job. She was not back at work yesterday and was doubtful that she would be able to work today.

Wanganui District Council's customer services manager, Melanie Heron, advised that the dog had been handed over to the council, which was going through the required process to have the animal destroyed.

Mrs Heron said the dog's owner has been asked to pay reparation to Mrs Munro.

She also advised that it had not been necessary for Animal Control to call the police.