Melissa Tuapawa sentenced for dog attack on young girl

Friday 16 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 16 Oct, 8:06pm

Melissa Tuapawa has received a community sentence in Wellington following a dog attack. The incident left a young girl with serious facial injuries requiring surgery. The dog, named Thanos, had previously been classified as dangerous after an attack on a teenager.

How they headlined it

6:30pm8:06pm

1. RNZFri 16 Oct, 6:30pm

   Melissa Tuapawa sentenced in Wellington over dog attack on young girl (opens in new tab)

   Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesFri 16 Oct, 8:06pm

   Community sentence for owner of dog that mauled girl (opens in new tab)