11 February 2005

Council Seizes Dog Following Serious Attack

An unregistered pit-bull has been seized by Manukau City Council animal control officers following a serious dog attack at a home in Manurewa this morning. The victim of the attack is in intensive care in Middlemore Hospital suffering from life threatening injuries.

Animal control officers were called to the house late this morning by the police. At the request of the police, the animal was seized and impounded.

The dog will be kept locked up while the Council awaits the outcome of the police investigation.

Councils are unable to put down an animal without prior consent from the animal's owner or a court order following prosecution.

Manukau City Council's Manager Environmental Health and Compliance, Kevin Jackson, says the Council's contractors, Direct Service Solutions, are working with the police to find the dog's owner. The dog does not belong to the victim.

Mr Jackson says the Council is taking the attack very seriously.

"In December 2004, the Council introduced a policy authorising the immediate seizure of all unregistered dogs, unless the owner is able to pay the registration fee on the spot."

"Pit-bulls are classified as a menacing breed by the Council and as such are required to be muzzled at all times while they are in a public place, and must be de-sexed," he says.

Manukau City Council responded to 128 dog attacks on people between July 2004 and December 2004.

ENDS

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