The Invercargill City Council’s Animal Services staff are appealing to the public for information after two dog attacks and several sightings of large dogs wandering in the Richmond/Glengarry area this week.

On Tuesday, 28 June, in Lithgow Street, a Chihuahua was attacked and killed by two dogs believed to be a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. During the early hours of Wednesday, 29 June, in Bamborough Street, a man was chased by two dogs described as Rottweilers. Then on Thursday, 30 June, in Mary Street, a Bichon Frise dog was attacked and killed and its owner was also attacked. The owner suffered bite wounds to her right hand.

Compliance Team Leader Kerry Kawe said Council was asking people for any information, or sightings of wandering dogs in the area. “It is not known if the attacks are related but there have been two further sightings of wandering dogs in the area. On Thursday a Rottweiler and German Shepherd were spotted roaming in Yarrow Street. “We are asking the public to report any sightings of dogs matching these descriptions.  We’d like to know the time they were seen and where they are. “If people see these dogs, please contact Council straight away and ask for Animal Services Officer Peter Jones. We will dispatch Officers immediately.”

Animal Services would increase patrols in the area, as Council has zero tolerance for wandering dogs. “If people are confronted by aggressive, roaming dogs we advise, for their own safety, that they go inside, get into a vehicle or behind a gate on a nearby property and contact us,” Mr Kawe said. “It is safer to let us deal with the animals.”