An evasive dog which has been roaming Wairoa township streets for months has been nabbed by Wairoa District Council animal control officers.

Council Compliance Team Leader Paul Van Dorrestein said his team had been chasing the male, mastiff cross for around six-months.

“The dog, coloured chocolate brown with white markings, has shown remarkable skills and intelligence in evading animal control for so long.

“It has managed to avoid being caught in Council set dog traps, being chased by Animal Control vehicles all along Kopu Road, and other streets in the area.

“Locals have offered it treats and dog roll, to try to lure and contain the dog, but as soon as it sees a Council vehicle approaching it beats a hasty retreat.”

Mr Van Dorrestein said the dog is not aggressive, just an unloved or abandoned pet trying to survive and having spent the last six-months fending for itself.

“The dog’s luck finally ran out when he chose to seek refuge in a wash house in Corkill Ave.

“He was seen by the property owner and quick skills by animal control staff and the owner resulted in the dog being secured and taken to the pound.”

Mr Van Dorrestein said the public assistance over the recent months in reporting sightings of the dog and trying to secure it had been really helpful.

“We appreciate everybody who has helped and the input from members of the public who were concerned the dog was roaming the streets of Wairoa.

“It has been a great community effort and we thank everyone who has helped out.

“We have been really impressed with the response from the public and rely on community information in situations like this.”

26 September 2019

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