Public plea for information after 'much loved' dog Rory killed

A family dog has been mauled to death on a popular riverside walkway in Palmerston North, and the dog responsible is yet to be caught.

The city council is investigating the incident and has issued a public plea for information.

Council manager environmental protection services Caleb Johnson said "much-loved family dog" Rory was going for a walk, on leash, on the walkway next to the Manawatū River about 9.30am on Saturday when he was attacked by another dog.

The attack happened on the Massey University side of the river, between the Fitzherbert Bridge and He Ara Kotahi pedestrian bridge, on a well-used section of the track, where dogs were required to be on leads.

"Despite the efforts from Rory's owner and members of the public to separate the dogs and help, and the team at Massey vets, Rory passed away from his injuries," Johnson said.

"Witnesses have described the off-leash dog as a 'pitbull type breed with a solid build, white colouring, and a dark grey patch over its right eye', and the owner as 'a white man with dark hair, around 1.75 metres (5 feet 8 inches), with a solid build, wearing a blue cap'."

The council's animal management team were in contact with Rory's owner, who was devastated by their dog's death.

"Since learning of the attack, council staff have taken a formal statement from Rory's owner and are actively investigating the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage from the area and reviewing our dog database to see if we can identify the dog and the owner involved."

The council was asking anyone with information to come forward.

"While incidents like this are rare, they have a devastating impact on families and pets. Council requires all dog owners to ensure their dogs are under control at all times," Johnson said.

There are 9500 registered dogs in Palmerston North.

Anyone with information can contact the city council on 06 356 8199 or info@pncc.govt.nz

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