A Taranaki cyclist is on crutches, with several deep puncture wounds after a roaming dog latched onto her leg sending her crashing off her bike while she was out on a country road. A spate of serious dog attacks, and residents in areas around the country forced to carry weapons to protect themselves from roaming animals has sparked fierce debate about reforming the 30-year-old dog control law. A New Plymouth resident was cycling a popular loop outside the city on Saturday morning, when she was rushed by an uncontrolled dog on Tikorangi East road. Amelia, who was chased by the dog, spoke to Lisa Owen.