A neighbour who witnessed the attack later told Anna the dog had first tried to bite its owner before turning and attacking Mickey as he rode past.
Mickey was rushed to hospital, where he underwent treatment and later received a tetanus shot as a precaution.
Mickey has been fearful of dogs since the attack, often staying close to his mother. Photo / Supplied
Anna said the dog’s owner later told her it was a rescue dog and she did not know its history.
More than a month later, Mickey remains fearful of dogs, and Anna has started walking him to and from school because he is too scared to go alone.
“When he sees any dogs, not very close to him, but if he sees dogs, he stops.”
She said he often seems frightened on trips out of the house, staying close to her side.
The family was left about $1900 out of pocket after paying for the boy’s medical treatment, vaccinations and travel costs.
The family has racked up nearly $2000 in medical and travel expenses after the attack. Photo / Supplied
Anna said her husband also had to take leave from work to attend appointments before working overtime to make up the lost hours.
Auckland Council told her its investigation had concluded and advised her to pursue any claim for medical costs through the Disputes Tribunal.
Acting animal management manager Nikki Cripps told the Herald the owner had reported the attack and the dog had been seized.
“Following an investigation, the dog was released back to its owner with a menacing dog classification, meaning that the dog must be desexed, microchipped and muzzled when in public.
“The owner was also issued with an infringement notice for failing to control their dog.”
Cripps said this outcome was “in line” with enforcement guidelines.
Dog attacks have come under increasing scrutiny in New Zealand after a series of serious and sometimes fatal incidents.
Last weekend, a Palmerston North family was devastated after their 6-year-old Spoodle, Rory, was fatally mauled by a larger dog during a riverside walk.
Rory’s owner, Nathan, has since appealed for information to help identify the other dog’s owner.
He said stronger dog control enforcement is needed to protect the community from further attacks.