Police want the public's help to identify a pitbull terrier dog that attacked and killed another dog in Tairāwhiti this morning.
The owners of 11-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ruby were walking her near the corner of Frances Street and Moana Road in Okitu at about 8.35am when the incident happened.
A passing Police unit intervened, resorting to the use of OC (pepper) spray to separate the tan-coloured short-haired pitbull terrier from Ruby.
"However Ruby suffered horrific injuries and died before help could arrive," says Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Moorhouse.
"This was an extremely traumatic event to witness for Ruby's owners, other members of the public and our staff."
The person with the pitbull terrier at the time was a woman aged between 40 and 50, and of Māori or Pasika descent. She was wearing black sunglasses, a grey hoodie sweater and black pants.
The woman was spoken to briefly by Police staff at the scene of the attack and despite being asked to wait with the offending dog, she has left with the animal while Police were trying to help Ruby and her distraught owners.
Police are appealing to the public for any information, including video/phone footage that may assist with identifying the dog and its owner.
"We are concerned that this could happen again so it is important the dog is identified as soon as possible."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote event number P050349832.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
