Woman and pet mauled by five dogs while running in rural Canterbury

Larissa Corboy underwent surgery following the attack while her dog required extensive vet treatment.
Larissa Corboy underwent surgery following the attack while her dog required extensive vet treatment. Photo credit: Facebook/Larissa Corboy

Warning: This article contains graphic content.

A woman and her pet have been mauled by five dogs while out running in Canterbury.

The incident happened in the rural community of Loburn, in north Canterbury's Waimakariri District, on Tuesday night.

Larissa Corboy has undergone surgery while her dog, Mouse, required extensive vet treatment.

Larissa Corboy was underwent surgery after being attacked by five dogs in north Canterbury.
Larissa Corboy was underwent surgery after being attacked by five dogs in north Canterbury. Photo credit: Facebook/Larissa Corboy

The owner of the attacking dogs was also badly bitten while trying to shield the victim's dog with his body.

Waimakariri District Council regulation manager Nick Harrison told Newshub three of the dogs have been voluntarily destroyed, and it was continuing to investigate.

Corboy said in a Facebook post the attack could have been much worse - adding it's not an image she wants to see again. 

"Both of us are a bit worse for wear," she wrote.

"I'm just incredibly pissed off."

Harrison said the council was "deeply saddened" to hear about the attack.

"This type of attack is a rare occurrence in the Waimakariri District and we're taking it extremely seriously."

Both parties have been identified and were helping with the investigation, he said.

"Currently, both parties are recovering from their injuries and a clear picture of the event needs to be established before further action can be made."

Harrison said dog owners need to have effective control of their animals at all times.

"If a dog can't be reliably and effectively controlled by their owner's voice, they should remain leashed.

"If a dog has been classified as dangerous or as menacing, they should also be muzzled."

Newshub.