SUPPLIED
A DOG shot while worrying cattle in Taumarunui last month highlights a harsh lesson for animal owners, and underscores the difference in how animal control is handled in the neighbouring district.
The Ruapehu District Council animal control officer was called to the Golf Rd showgrounds on February 23 to find a white kelpie-type dog and Staffordshire bull terrier cross chasing and biting at cattle.
The staffie was shot and the second dog fled into a residential area. One of the cattle was seen bleeding from its left hind leg, but the animal control officer wasn’t able to secure the stock to confirm the degree of injury.
It’s the kind of action expected from an animal control officer, particularly in rural districts. But not in Waitomo. In the Waitomo district, the animal control officer isn’t permitted by his employer, Waitomo District Council, to carry a firearm in his work vehicle.
Councillor Janene New revealed recently how the Waitomo district animal control officer was unable to shoot a dog he saw worrying sheep.
When Janene asked why the dog control officer could not shoot the dog when he was at the scene and had witnessed it worrying the sheep – and what councillors could do to help the dog control officer do his job – she was told the risks were too great.
“We wouldn’t want an animal control officer to actually carry a firearm because of the associated risks that go with that,” strategy and environment manager Alex Bell said.
Mr Bell said the Impound Act made provision for police officers to use firearms to kill animals.
However, the Dog Control Act 1996 allows anyone – a member of the public, animal control officer, or police to destroy a dog if necessary.
Section 57 of the Act authorises people to seize or destroy a dog that is attacking a person, any stock, poultry, domestic animal or protected wildlife.
Section 60 of the Act gives people the power to seize or destroy a dog running at large among stock or poultry and states the owner of any stock or poultry being attacked by a dog – or his agent or employee, or any constable, dog control officer, or dog ranger acting at the request of that owner, may forthwith either seize or destroy any dog running at large among that stock or poultry.
The Waitomo dog attacked sheep on a property at Awakino Rd Te Kūiti on January 19 and 22 last year. Thirteen sheep were mauled in one of the attacks with seven of them having to be put down afterwards.
At the council meeting, Janene asked if it would be better for the animal control officer to call 111, but staff suggested 105, the non-emergency number.
The discussion showed stock owners near towns in the Waitomo district are not getting much return on their rates when it comes to animal control. The law says they can use their own firearms in those circumstances where the Dog Control Act applies.
It’s not yet over for the former Taumarunui dog owner. Their dead dog was microchipped and he or she will be visited by council staff seeking an explanation for why the dog was not secured at all times, as required by the Dog Control Act.
There will also be fines and possible court action.
The owner of a dog found attacking livestock, poultry, other domestic animals or protected wildlife can face a fine of up to $3000 and be required to pay for any damage incurred, in this case vet bills.
Where there has been serious injury or death to a person or protected wildlife, a dog owner can face a fine of up to $20,000 and three years’ jail.
Ruapehu District Council customer services manager Warwick Zander said anyone with information about the white kelpie dog involved in the attack is asked to call the council on 07 895 8188.
