A dog believed to have been involved in an attack in Oamaru has been seized.
Waitaki District Council regulatory services manager Lichelle Guyan said an American bulldog-huntaway cross had been in council custody since Wednesday night.
The owner was ''distressed and very concerned'' when his dog was seized, she said.
The dog allegedly attacked a Maltese-Bichon Frise-cross dog on Monday.
The female owner was injured while attempting to help her dog, but not bitten. Her pet was in a serious condition yesterday.
Mrs Guyan said the council was confident it had seized the correct dog, as it matched the descriptions given by witnesses.
''We were able to get sufficient information through our witness statements to verify the dog's identity.''
Animal control staff were investigating the attack and would make a recommendation, which the dog owner could appeal, she said.
''The dog will remain in custody until the investigation is complete and the outcome is agreed.''
Mrs Guyan would not comment if the dog had a history of aggression because an investigation had begun.
Acting Sergeant Carl Pedersen, of Oamaru, said police assisted animal control staff with the seizure but there was no trouble.
However, the ''upset'' dog owner visited Oamaru Police Station yesterday seeking advice on how to get his dog back and was told to contact the Waitaki District Council.
Air and ground searches for the dogs responsible for killing 15 sheep at Omarama Station on Tuesday have been unsuccessful.
A Labrador and a Staffordshire terrier are believed to have been responsible for the attack on the merino sheep early on Tuesday at the 12,000ha high country property.
Richard Subtil, of Omarama Station, was worried they might attack again. He said it was possible more could have been attacked.
A thorough search of the property confirmed 15 sheep deaths.
Four aerial searches of the property looking for dogs were unsuccessful.
Constable Nayland Smith said police believed two dogs from Omarama township were responsible for the attacks, a black Labrador and a brindle Staffordshire that were reported missing since Monday.
If anyone saw the dogs, Const Smith said it would be best to ''err on the side of caution'' and report the sighting to police.
