Ponies killed in suspected dog attack in Mangere Bridge
Members of Auckland’s Mangere Bridge community are devastated after two beloved ponies – Meg and Duke – were killed overnight on Tuesday.
The incident comes just two months after a dog attack which left Meg with injuries to her side and front legs.
A Watercare spokesperson said they were notified on Wednesday morning the two ponies, that grazed on Watercare’s Creamery Rd land, were found dead after a suspected dog attack.
Auckland Council’s Animal Management staff were seen at the paddock collecting evidence before the animals were removed.
The owner of the ponies, who did not want to be named, said Meg and Duke were brought over from Napier six years ago.
She said the ponies were 15 years old and two of her kids, now aged 12 and 9, had grown up with them, fed and played with them every week.
After the February attack, the ponies were shifted temporarily to a paddock in Greenwood Rd. They had only recently been moved back.
Meg – the brown pony – had done really well recovering from injuries to her side and legs, she said.
Local resident Amy Tapueluelu said she often took her kids to feed the ponies and was in tears after hearing they had died, having just played with them on Tuesday.
Tapueluelu said her children would be devastated to find out what had happened.
Rolanda Soeterik said she would often cycle past the paddock and interact with the ponies. ‘‘Last time we heard they were injured, we were just so angry. I just couldn’t believe it, and I’m going to miss them.’’
According to an Auckland Council report, dog attacks in Tamaki Makaurau increased by more than 10% between 2020 and 2021.
Auckland Council has been approached for comment.