Attribute to Inspector Tracy Phillips, Counties Manukau District:
Police can confirm that Auckland Airport staff directed police to shoot the AVSEC dog which was loose at the airport this morning.
This followed considerable efforts over several hours by AVSEC and airport staff to contain the dog after it was first reported to be loose at 4am.
Police based at the airport provide a range of support, and were in a supporting role for this incident which was led by airport staff and AVSEC.
Our thoughts are with the AVSEC dog handler involved. This is not an outcome which anyone wanted, and police were only asked to be involved as a last resort.
All further enquiries will need to be directed to Auckland Airport and AVSEC.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre