File photoA local says there have been multiple complaints about dogs roaming in the area and chasing people before the death of a woman in Kaihu, Northland today. A local told RNZ there were complaints about dogs in the area made by multiple people but nothing had been done about it. Meanwhile, a Northlander whose relative was killed by dogs said today's incident showed people needed to take dog ownership more seriously. She had a petition before Select Committee to strengthen dog ownership laws. The petition seeks substantial changes to the dog ownership legislation and council bylaws, in order to end the problem of roaming dogs in New Zealand.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 17, 2026 16:11 UTC