A dog was saved from death, but re-classified as dangerous after a court hearing in New Plymouth on Thursday, (File Photo)

An elderly woman was bitten on the right leg when two pet bulldogs rushed at her mobility scooter, a Taranaki court heard.

The dogs, owned by Gareth James Rogers and Gynelle Tana Rogers, were sitting on the corner of a Waitara street when the 76-year-old victim approached them on September 12, Judge Chris Sygrove told the New Plymouth District Court.

"As she drove past them they both rushed at her, growling and barking," he said.

One of the dogs then bit the woman on her right leg and did not let go, as the other animal continued to bark.

Passersby stepped in to help the woman and she was taken to the Waitara medical centre for assessment.

"Needless to say she was shocked at this happening to her," the judge said.

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On Thursday, through defence counsel Kylie Pascoe, Gareth Rogers pleaded guilty to charges of owning a dog which rushed at a person and failing to register a dog.

Gynelle Rogers pleaded guilty to a charge of owning a dog which rushed at a person.

Pascoe said the couple had been surprised at what happened, as the dogs had never shown any previous signs of aggression before and lived in a busy, active household with young children.

"They see these dogs as members of the family," she said.

Pascoe said the couple were seen as responsible owners and she tabled a letter from their vets, which also outlined how they had never had any problems with the dogs.

The bulldogs had also attended a puppy obedience class in the past.

Pascoe said the Rogers family had been "absolutely gutted" by what had happened and had since installed new gates on their property which prevent the dogs from being able to get close to the front entrance.

While no medical fees were sought, the couple were happy to contribute towards an emotional harm payment for the dog bite victim.

Prosecutor Jacob Bourke sought a fine of between $250-$400 for the rushing charges.

He said since the incident one of the bulldogs had been re-classified by the New Plymouth District Council as dangerous.

Bourke said while the destruction of the other dog was an option for the court, the council would be satisfied if the canine was also deemed dangerous.

Having this label requires the dogs' owners to adhere to strict requirements, including for the pets to be muzzled and on a lead when out in public.

Pascoe said one of the dogs was already back home and she opposed the destruction of the Rogers' second pet.

Judge Sygrove convicted Gareth and Gynelle Rogers of the dog rushing charges and ordered them to pay a fine of $300 plus court costs for each offence.

Gareth Rogers was convicted of failing to register a dog and was ordered to pay $250 in emotional harm to the victim.

No destruction order for the second dog was made, but the re-classification of the canines as dangerous was affirmed by the court.