Investigations are underway following a vicious dog attack in a residential street on Tuesday afternoon.

Wairoa District Council staff have impounded two dogs, which we believe were involved in the attack, and are investigating the situation.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little expressed the Council’s zero tolerance for dogs that attack. “My understanding is this was an attack on a local grandmother who was on a mobility scooter. Her injuries are horrific, and my heart goes out to this lady and her family.”

“All dog owners need to be responsible for looking after their dogs to prevent random attacks like this, which can be life-changing for the victims, their families and those involved. We need our streets to be safe for everyone. We also need to remember that while it is dogs that carry out attacks, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dogs are secured and kept under control at all times.”

Mayor Little added, If you own a dog or have one in your care, it is your responsibility to keep it confined and controlled at all times. Ensuring dogs are secured is essential. Ultimately, dog attacks are not just an issue with problem dogs, they are a people problem.

“All dog owners must follow the regulations around dog ownership, and the Council will continue to take strong action to ensure compliance, to try our best to prevent such attacks in the future.”

25 June 2025

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