HONOLULU (KHON2) — Legislators want to put more teeth in laws against pet owners, whose dogs bite people. The family of a man killed by a pack of dogs said dog owners need to be held accountable.
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Dog attacks leave victims with more than just physical scars. Many said they are traumatized and live in fear.
A number of vicious incidents have made headlines including the fatal mauling of 71-year-old Robert Northrop in Aug. 2023.
“Yesterday was the six month anniversary of my Father Bob Northrop’s death. He lived in Oceanview. He was walking and was killed by four dogs that were loose,” explained Shannon Matson. “And the dog owners have still not faced any sort of repercussions. There’s been no consequences, no accountability, no charges brought.”
Matson is not alone. Many who’ve suffered dog attacks said there’s little recourse, adding insult to injury.
Stephanie Kendrick, the Hawaiian Humane Society Director of Community Engagement, said the problem is the lack of adequate rules relating to dangerous dog incidents.