Retiree Attacked by ‘Menacing’ Roaming Dog in Welcome Bay; Council Investigation Underway

A retiree in Welcome Bay is calling for urgent action after a "menacing" roaming dog attacked her on Resolution Rd, sparking a council-led search for the animal.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 5:23 AM EDT

Source: The New Zealand Herald

The Incident on Resolution Road

Judith Wagstaff was walking on Resolution Rd in Welcome Bay when she was suddenly approached and bitten by a roaming dog. Wagstaff, a retiree, expressed her fear that the attack could have been significantly worse had she not been able to retreat quickly. She approached the Bay of Plenty Times to share her story, motivated by recent reports of other dog attacks in the region—including the tragic death of "Bella," a 17-year-old fox terrier. Wagstaff believes it is only a matter of "luck" that she did not sustain life-altering injuries.

Council Response and the Hunt for the ‘Menace’

The local council has launched an investigation into the attack and is actively hunting for the dog involved. Community reports suggest the animal has been seen roaming freely in the Welcome Bay area for some time, leading to heightened anxiety among residents, particularly pet owners and the elderly. Council animal control officers are urging the public to report any sightings of roaming dogs immediately, as the "menacing" behavior of this specific animal poses a continuing risk to public safety.

Broader Concerns Over Dog Control

The attack on Wagstaff has reignited a heated debate regarding dog control bylaws in the Bay of Plenty. Recent weeks have seen a surge in reports of aggressive dogs, including a "pack of animals" attack in Auckland and a wolf-dog encounter in Hamburg that has made international headlines. In Whanganui and other neighboring regions, residents are pushing for significant changes to how roaming and aggressive dogs are managed, with many calling for stricter penalties for owners who fail to secure their pets.