December 4, 2012

Dogs that attacked to be destroyed

Two dogs involved in last week’s attack on two Ōtaki women are to be euthanized after their owner signed them over to the Kāpiti Coast District Council.

The two Pitbull terrier cross dogs have been held at the Kāpiti pound since being seized last Wednesday after a prolonged attack that left a 48 and 67 year old woman with serious bites. Both victims are still in Palmerston North Hospital.

Group Manager Community Services Tamsin Evans says the dog’s owner has been cooperative in relinquishing the dogs. “This person understands the gravity of what has happened and the potential consequences.”

Ms Evans says Council will be pursuing a prosecution under Section 58 of the Dog Control Act, once Police conclude their investigation, which is likely to be soon.

“This carries a possible term of imprisonment and is the severest penalty available to Councils. We hope it will send a message to the public about the responsibilities of dog ownership.”

Ms Evans says the dogs weren’t registered but one had been in the past and was micro chipped, which meant it could be identified beyond doubt.

“This is why the law now requires all dogs to be micro-chipped and in this case the system worked.”

Ms Evans says the incident has been extremely distressing for the women and their families, as well as Police, ambulance and animal control officers that attended.

“It has been a very sad saga all round but serves to remind us how unpredictable and dangerous dogs can be and why owners of breeds classified as ‘menacing’ and ‘dangerous’ need to be especially vigilant.”

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