7 Aug 2008

Dog owner admits responsibility over mauling

6:41 pm on 7 August 2008

The owner of four dogs that mauled a boy in the Waikato township of Waitoa in July has pleaded guilty to charges relating to the attack.

Stewart Witeri, 37, faced a charge of owning a dog which causes injury and failing to register the animals.

His four pit bull-Greyhound cross dogs attacked the boy on 7 July as he was riding his bike.

The 13-year-old had more than 100 wounds to his arms, legs and buttocks and needed 300 stitches.

Witeri appeared in Morrinsville District Court on Thursday. He was remanded on bail for sentencing in Hamilton District Court on 17 September.

Lawyer Roger Laybourn says his client accepts total responsibility for what happened.

On Wednesday, a woman who came to the boy's assistance and carried him to the safety of her car was given a bravery award by police.