In keeping with standard practice for armed incidents, Wellington Police will review an incident in which officers looking for a potentially armed man wanted to arrest in Wainuiomata yesterday shot an aggressive dog after it attacked a Police dog.
Despite receiving veterinary attention, the dog later died of its injuries. The Police dog escaped injury and remains on duty.
"Police has today met with the dog's owner regarding the incident, and as is standard practice for any incident in which firearms are discharged by Police, we will be reviewing events and debriefing what occurred with the staff involved," said Inspector Sean Hansen, Hutt Valley Area Commander.
The day before the incident (Sunday 28 June), Police were involved in the search for a 27-year-old Wainuiomata man known to Police who is currently wanted to arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm and for breaching a Police Safety Order against his former partner. While looking for the man, Police found a discarded shotgun and ammunition, but the search for him was unsuccessful.
Then, at about 4pm yesterday (Monday 29 June), Police received information that the wanted man was at an address in Wainuiomata. Given Police's concerns about the man's background and relationship with firearms, the Armed Offenders Squad was called. The house was searched but the wanted man was not located, although three imitation firearms were recovered, Mr Hansen said.
"As units were leaving the house, a motorcycle believed to be ridden by the wanted man was seen travelling at speed along Wainuiomata Road, and a pursuit was initiated. This involved a Police dog unit in one vehicle and AOS squad members in a second vehicle."
Shortly after, the motorcycle was lost and the pursuit abandoned. Police subsequently found the abandoned bike at a house in Gawler Grove. One dog handler, a Police dog, and three AOS members attended.
Police staff then spoke to two men at the house, who denied hearing a motorbike outside. As the door was opened, the aggressive dog escaped from the house and attacked the Police dog, latching onto it.
Given the limitations of other possible tactical options due to the close proximity of the animals, and fearing for the safety of the Police dog and staff, an officer fired a single shot to the dog's chest.
Attempts to get a vet to the scene were unsuccessful, so a decision was made to take the wounded animal to an after hours vet clinic in Ngauranga, Mr Hansen said.
The owners took the dog to the clinic. Police staff also attended the clinic, where the dog subsequently died.
Police is still looking for the man wanted to arrest.
ENDS