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Trial Begins for Manslaughter in Dog Mauling Death

8/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Abel Wira is on trial for manslaughter following the dog mauling death of Neville Thomson on August 4, 2022, in Panguru, New Zealand.
Wira had left Thomson in charge of his aggressive dogs.
Thomson died from blood loss caused by multiple dog bites; Wira reported finding him deceased.
The trial is anticipated to last two weeks, with the Crown asserting Wira neglected the dogs' care.

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Story summary

Abel Wira is on trial for manslaughter following the dog mauling death of Neville Thomson on August 4, 2022, in Panguru, New Zealand.
Wira had left Thomson in charge of his aggressive dogs.
Thomson died from blood loss caused by multiple dog bites; Wira reported finding him deceased.
The trial is anticipated to last two weeks, with the Crown asserting Wira neglected the dogs' care.