Episode Details

A Whanganui man, Russell Thomson, bravely defended his four-year-old Jack Russell, Chiko, from a vicious pitbull-cross that launched a brutal attack — biting both dog and owner. The chaos escalated as the dog lunged even after they got into their car, forcing Thomson to grab its collar and head to stop the assault. Chiko suffered catastrophic injuries including a broken leg and multiple bites, requiring surgery and a long recovery. Thomson himself sustained serious wounds, including a disfigured thumb and arm bite, needing hospitalization and physiotherapy. The council has impounded the attacker while investigating, and Thomson now speaks out about the urgent need to tackle roaming dogs in the area — a crisis he blames on irresponsible ownership. Despite the trauma, he’s heartened by community support, including a fundraising campaign for Chiko’s care, and remains hopeful people can still do good — if only something changes.

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