Christchurch woman sentenced for dog attacks on boy and father
Tuesday 22 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Christchurch District Court
Billie Mcfarlane has been sentenced to home detention following an incident where her two dogs attacked an 11-year-old boy and his father. The victims were hospitalised after the attack occurred during a visit to her home. Mcfarlane, who surrendered the dogs immediately after the incident, also faced dishonesty charges.
Key facts
4 facts
- Attacks occurred in February at a home in Bryndwr, Christchurch
- Victims included an 11-year-old boy and his father
- Mcfarlane ordered to repay $118 to Z Sawyers Arms and $111 to BP Connect
- The dogs involved were Staffie American Bulldog crosses named Russia and Baller
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Billie Mcfarlane has been sentenced to four and a half months of home detention following dog attacks in Bryndwr in February. The attacks occurred at Mcfarlane's home on Bevin Place when an 11-year-old boy and his father were visiting. The boy and his father were hospitalised for approximately 10 days and required multiple surgeries after being mauled by two Staffie American Bulldog crosses named Russia and Baller.
The court heard that Mcfarlane and the father ran to the front yard after the boy screamed for help. The dogs attacked the boy's legs, and Mcfarlane sustained hand injuries while attempting to pull them away. The dogs then escaped and attacked the father.
Mcfarlane also faced sentencing for two dishonesty charges from an earlier incident in February. These charges involved stealing a wallet from a vehicle and using a KiwiBank card to purchase nearly $230 of items at two petrol stations. Judge Tom Gilbert ordered Mcfarlane to repay $118 to Z Sawyers Arms and $111 to BP Connect.
The defence argued that the dogs had no prior history of aggression during the four years they were reared by Mcfarlane. Mcfarlane surrendered the dogs on the same day as the attack. The dogs were euthanised three days after the incident.
Where reports differ
- Report 1 does not mention the specific dishonesty charges or the exact sentence handed down
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and The Press.