Dog’s Future Still to Be Determined

A mastiff dog which attacked its owner in Hamilton yesterday remains impounded pending completion of a Hamilton City Council Animal Control investigation into the incident.

The dog, which was classified as “menacing” in 2010, attacked its female owner at her property on Avalon Drive yesterday. The woman sustained serious injuries, and remains in medical care. The dog was impounded by Animal Control officers late yesterday afternoon.

Kelvin Powell, Hamilton City Council’s City Safe Manager, says the future of the dog is still to be decided. Council’s next step will be in accordance with the Dog Control Act.

“Under the act, we have two options. If the owner gives her permission, we can destroy the animal,” Mr Powell says. “However at this point, we haven’t been able to speak to her. Our second option would be to prosecute the owner, with a view to gaining a court order to have the dog destroyed.”

However, Mr Powell says the situation remains delicate and complicated, due to the fact the victim in the incident is the dog’s owner.

“So at this point, our focus will be on continuing to gather information for our investigation. Our immediate concern has been addressed – we have possession of the animal, so it no longer presents a risk to the community,” Mr Powell says.

Mr Powell says Animal Control staff will be speaking to the owner as soon as possible.

ENDS

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