Russell husky owner charged
The owner of a dog impounded by the Far North District Council since March will face four charges under the Dog Control Act.
Russell resident Martin Allen’s husky cross Laska, was picked up on March 1 by animal control officers.
Council compliance manager Darren Edwards says Laska was ‘‘impounded because of an established pattern of wandering and the threat this poses to wildlife in the area’’.
‘‘Council animal management staff have previously issued three infringement notices to the owners of Laska because of the dog’s wandering. This followed verbal advice, the dog being returned and a dog control notice issued.’’
After meeting with council representatives on March 31, Allen says he was told that he could be facing three charges in relation to Laska straying and one for her attacking wildlife.
He says he was shown photos that show Laska off his property, and a photo of her with something in her mouth.
Allen does not dispute Laska was straying but says the object in her mouth could be anything.
‘‘If I was shown conclusive evidence [of it being a bird] then I might leave it. She might have just picked something up.’’
Edwards says the council is considering an application by Laska’s owners for her to be returned to the family pending a decision being made on the dog’s fate.
A decision for her release should be made this week following an inspection of the property, Edwards says.
Two dogs involved in separate attacks on people in Kerikeri this year have been euthanised, with only one owner receiving a fine for not having their dog under control.
A 94-year-old man was attacked by an unrestrained dog near the Kerikeri Domain in February, while trying to protect his own dog.
The dog involved was surrendered by its owner before it was euthanised, a council spokesperson says. The owner will receive a fine for not having the dog under control.
In March, a four-year-old girl was attacked by a dog while she was playing on Mawson Ave, near Waipapa Rd.
A council spokesperson says while this dog was euthanised, the owner was not facing fines in relation to the incident.