In a decision in the Manukau District Court, Judge Philip Recordon handed out one of the severest sentences to date in an Auckland Council dog prosecution case, to the owner of two dogs who caused serious injuries on two separate occasions to two separate individuals.
Aaron Walker Falanisese, 22, received six months community detention for the first attack and a further six months community detention for the second, to be served concurrently. A curfew condition was imposed from 7pm to 7am to allow Mr Falanisese to attend work.
He was also ordered to pay reparation of $9500 to the victims for emotional harm.
The incidences took place in January 2021 at Weymouth Beach and again in April 2021 at Clendon Park. The injuries sustained by the victims required surgery, multiple skin grafts and further rehabilitation.
In sentencing Falanisese, Judge Recordon acknowledged his young age, his lack of previous convictions and accepted he had shown remorse and apologised to the victims.
“The safety and welfare of residents is our top priority; prosecuting is the last resort. But we will not hesitate to act if necessary and again remind dog owners of their responsibilities,” says Auckland Council’s Animal Management Manager Auckland Council Elly Waitoa.
How to be a responsible dog owner
- Register, de-sex and microchip your dog
- Keep your dog under control at all times especially around children and wildlife
- Observe rules of where dogs are/aren’t allowed and where leashes are required.
Find out more information on being a responsible dog owner here.
