Council Animal Control was forced to shoot a dog found harassing cattle on the Golf Rd show grounds in Taumarunui yesterday evening (23 Feb 23).
Executive Manager Regulator and Customer Services Warrick Zander said that Council responded to calls of two dogs attacking cattle.
“On arrival the Officer found a white Kelpie type dog and Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross chasing and biting at cattle.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross was shot with a single shot while the second dog fled into a residential area.
One of the cattle was seen to be bleeding from its left hind leg however the Officer was not able to secure the stock to confirm the degree of the injury.
The owner of the stock will be inspecting the stock this morning for any required treatment.”
Mr Zander said that this incident highlighted the importance of dog owners ensuring that their animals are well secured when they are not under their direct control.
“This attack follows on from three others reported in the same area this year and on top of others around the Taumarunui area,” he said.
“Dog attacks on stock are highly upsetting for the owners not to mention the financial impact.
The law (Dog Control Act) requires dog owners to ensure that their dog is under control at all times.
Any dog found attacking livestock, poultry, other domestic animals or protected wildlife can be seized or destroyed with owners facing a fine up to $3,000 for any damage caused by the attack.
In cases where there has been serious injury or death to a person or protected wildlife the dog owner can face a fine up to $20,000 and three years in imprisonment.
In this case the shot dog was microchipped and Council will be talking with the owner about why their dog was not secured and able to harass stock.
Shooting a dog is always a last resort for Animal Control Officers however they will not hesitate to do so if the situation calls for it as in this case.
Anyone who has information on the white kelpie type dog involved in the attack is asked to call Council on 07 895 8188.”
*END*
