Support for Tai & Whanau after dogs attack horse
Helping a beautiful whanau with ongoing horse vet bills after a dog attack
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
I have started this page on behalf of Taiatini & Aimee. I was the one riding with Tai and hugely appreciate how he reacted and kept me safe!
Have taken this from Tai’s wife’s post:
At 1:30pm on 05/05/2026 on Papamoa Beach, between Harrisons Cut and the look out carpark, Tai and Hero (the horse) was brutally attacked by TWO off-leash dogs while he was taking myself out for a horse trek. This is something he’s done safely for years, and today it could have ended in absolute tragedy. Alot of you in the community know him, and his horses. This is his absolute passion & enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with the young and old.
Tai did everything he could — using his experience and quick thinking to draw the dogs away from the young rider to protect her. If he hadn’t, this situation could have ended with both of them seriously injured… or worse.
Tai’s poor horse has been badly injured by these two dogs and is incredibly lucky to be alive. This is going to take months for our horse to recover from — physically and mentally.
Alex Kilgour's involvement (page creator)
Tai and Aimee are incredible people who have taken me under their wing to learn how to ride.
Use of funds
Funds will go towards vet bills and on-going care for Hero
Latest update
Update from Aimee 06/05 6 May 2026
There has been a lot of queries around what the next steps are. I have added an update Aimee has posted on facebook:
We had a very good meeting with Malcolm from animal control who was very supportive and angry at our situation. The dogs have been seized and will remain in the pound. Yes the owners should be footing all of Hero’s expenses, however we can not force them to pay. The exposure our unfortunate story has gotten is a start to hopefully make a change in laws. I am so thankful to have my husband still here today, thankful our Hero boy is still alive.
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Help Fundraise
You can create your own page to help fundraise for this cause.Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.