A Year Later: A Woman's Battle with Trauma After a Horrific Dog Attack in Tairua

One year has passed since Donna, a retired woman from Tairua, was brutally attacked by four pig dogs on Red Bridge Road. The incident, which left her with severe injuries and lasting psychological trauma, continues to haunt her and her family. The attack occurred when Donna was out walking her dogs, an activity she had always found peaceful and enjoyable.

The dogs, which were wearing tracking collars, launched a sudden and violent attack on Donna, leaving her for dead. She described the moment in harrowing detail, stating that the animals tore into her scalp and legs with such force that she believed she had no blood left in her body. Despite the severity of the injuries, Donna miraculously survived the attack, though the physical and emotional scars remain.

Donna's husband, Trev, has been a vocal advocate for her since the incident, expressing deep frustration and anger over what he believes was a preventable tragedy. He has called on local authorities to take stronger action to ensure public safety, arguing that the dogs should have been put down immediately due to the danger they posed to the community.

The owner of the dogs, Dave Anscombe, claimed at the time that he could not afford to register them and that two of the dogs were already at the Thames-Coromandel District Council pound. However, the council has since clarified that Anscombe was convicted on all charges related to the incident and that the court ordered the destruction of the two dogs involved. Anscombe, however, plans to appeal the decision.

According to the council, Anscombe's dogs remain impounded and cannot be euthanized without a court order. They also noted that there have been 13 dog attacks in Tairua over the past five years, with only one resulting in serious injuries. While the council acknowledges the rarity of serious injuries, they have emphasized the importance of taking all necessary precautions to prevent future incidents.

Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the case. Some believe that the council should have acted more decisively to remove the dogs from the streets before the attack, while others argue that the legal process must be followed to ensure justice for all parties involved.

As Donna continues to recover from the physical and emotional toll of the attack, her story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregistered and potentially dangerous dogs. It also highlights the need for stronger community engagement and oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

"This was not just an attack on Donna; it was an attack on the entire community's sense of safety," Trev said. "We need to ensure that such tragedies never happen again."

The case has sparked renewed discussions about pet ownership, animal control, and the responsibilities of local authorities in protecting the public from preventable harm. As the legal battle over the dogs continues, the community waits for answers and assurances that steps are being taken to prevent future tragedies.