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.<\/p>\n
Mickey was rushed to hospital, where he underwent treatment and later received a tetanus shot as a precaution.<\/p>\n
Mickey has been fearful of dogs since the attack, often staying close to his mother. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Anna said the dog\u2019s owner later told her it was a rescue dog and she did not know its history.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he sees any dogs, not very close to him, but if he sees dogs, he stops.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said he often seems frightened on trips out of the house, staying close to her side.<\/p>\n
The family was left about $1900 out of pocket after paying for the boy\u2019s medical treatment, vaccinations and travel costs. <\/p>\n
The family has racked up nearly $2000 in medical and travel expenses after the attack. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Anna said her husband also had to take leave from work to attend appointments before working overtime to make up the lost hours.<\/p>\n
Auckland Council told her its investigation had concluded and advised her to pursue any claim for medical costs through the Disputes Tribunal.<\/p>\n
Acting animal management manager Nikki Cripps told the Herald the owner had reported the attack and the dog had been seized. <\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe owner was also issued with an infringement notice for failing to control their dog.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cripps said this outcome was \u201cin line\u201d with enforcement guidelines.<\/p>\n
Dog attacks have come under increasing scrutiny in New Zealand after a series of serious and sometimes fatal incidents. <\/p>\n