Just over two weeks ago guide dog Leo was viciously attacked by another dog, suffering serious abdominal wounds.  Three months ago, he suffered a punctured ear in an attack. And about one year ago, another attack required stitches to his face.

RNZFB Member Petrus Tuerlings and guide dog Leo (source: NZ Herald)

The two most recent attacks were by different dogs from the same nearby house in Massey.  The dog involved in the attack three months ago was destroyed.  The dog involved in the recent attack is being sought.

Guide Dog Leo is recovering at home from the recent wounds to his abdomen.  His stitches are expected to be removed on Friday, and Leo seems to be on track to a full recovery.

The same can’t be said about his vision-impaired handler Petrus, whose hand was bitten in the recent attack and whose confidence is badly shaken.

"Leo's been given the all-clear for a gentle walk around the block, and he's keen as mustard to get outside. It's me dragging the chain. It's really nerve-wracking not knowing if you're going to get attacked or not when you leave the house and try walking to the dairy.  And I have to take that route," says Petrus, who also works part-time at a local retirement home.

In the last year alone, at least 14 guide dogs across the country have needed veterinary care after being attacked by another dog, and there have been countless incidents when uncontrolled dogs have menaced guide dog teams (the dog and handler).

“This is a serious national problem. An attack can be quite traumatic for a guide dog handler and his dog.  We appreciate that local governments are trying to crack down on a minority of irresponsible pet owners, and we work with them, but these incidents keep occurring. If a blind person can’t walk to the corner dairy because his guide dog might be attacked, then that’s just appalling. You have to ask what it will take to solve the problem," says Helen McKenzie, Divisional Manager, RNZFB.

Petrus and guide dog Leo will be re-assessed to see if the attacks have left any significant physical or psychological damage.  Leo, age 10, is nearing the end of his working life, and Petrus was hoping to be matched with another guide dog next year.  “But how can I ask for another guide dog when I’m afraid it will be attacked as we walk down my street?”

Update: The RNZFB has received many calls and offers of help for guide dog Leo and Petrus. The interest of the public is much appreciated. You can help Leo and Petrus by donating to Guide Dog Services to help us support them.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Jane Gower
RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator
Ph: 09 355 6884 or 021 357 412
Email: jgower@rnzfb.org.nz