Attacks prompt appeal for sightings of roaming dogs

The Invercargill City Council’s Animal Services staff are appealing to the public for information after two dog attacks and several sightings of large wandering dogs in the Richmond/Glengarry area this week.
 
Compliance Team Leader Kerry Kawe said Council was asking people for any information, or sightings of wandering dogs in the area.
 
Earlier this week, on Tuesday 28 June in Lithgow Street, a Chihuahua was attacked and killed by two dogs believed to be a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd.
 
During the early hours of Wednesday 29 June, in Bamborough Street, a man was chased by two dogs described as Rottweilers.
 
Then on Thursday 30 June, in Mary Street, a Bichon Frise dog was attacked and killed and its owner was also attacked. The owner has suffered multiple bite wounds to her right hand.
 
“It is not known if the attacks are related but there have been two further sightings of wandering dogs in the area.
 
“On Thursday a Rottweiler and German Shepherd were spotted roaming in Yarrow Street.
 
“We are asking the public to report any sightings of dogs matching these descriptions.  We’d like to know the time they were seen and where they are.
 
“If people see these dogs, please contact Council straight away and ask for Animal Services Officer Peter Jones.  We will dispatch Officers immediately.”
 
Mr Kawe said Animal Services would be increasing its patrols in the area, as Council has zero tolerance for wandering dogs.
 
“If people are confronted by aggressive, roaming dogs we advise, for their own safety, that they go inside, get into a vehicle or behind a gate on a nearby property and contact us.  It is safer to let us deal with the animals,” Mr Kawe said.