The cat's owner was in tears following the late-morning attack.
The attack took place at the lower end of Dundonald St, in Tainui.
The young woman accompanying the dog at the time of the attack was distraught and was being comforted by her mother, amid a heavy police presence.
Dunedin City Council compliance, animal and parking services team leader Peter Hanlin said an investigation was under way.
''A range of actions are possible, including a menacing classification, a fine or prosecution under the Dog Control Act.
''Animal Services officers will consider factors including the circumstances of the incident and the history of the owner and the dog.''
He described the dog as a ''terrier breed'' but would not be more specific.
A neighbour who witnessed the attack, who did not want to be identified, described the dog as a ''pit bull''.
The mother and daughter who apparently owned the dog drove away with their pet.
-Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.
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Comments
as long as the dog was on a leash and didnt get away from the walker, then it should be completely off the hook
1 dog takes one cat, which in turn saves the cats lifetime of birds
If the dog didn't "get away from the walker" then this indicates that the walker was complicit in having the dog attack. If this was the case then the council (and SPCA) should be looking to charge the walker with having an out of control dog, perhaps even fir an aggravated attack.
The fact that you are agreeing to the attack being quite okay in such circumstances indicates a lot about you. I think you would find that the vast majority of the population are not happy to see or encourage any domestic animal to rip apart another.
"A neighbour who witnessed the attack, who did not want to be identified, described the dog as a ''pit bull''". So they didn't know for sure but to them all menacing dogs are bull terriers ... right?, you have more to worry about with those little ankle biter chihuahuas.
Truthtimeplease from a cat owner who loves dogs as well you are 100% correct, I feel sorry for all involved. David_M IMHO you are not reading the comments correctly Nobody is saying they condone any dog attack. I think that Truthtimeplease is saying that the if the dog owner had the dog on a leash at all times and under control, and wasn't one of those owners who walk down the road with the dog off the leash "under control" as you often see, Kind of says a lot about you David_M.
If the owner had the dog under control then how did it rip apart the cat? Being on a leash doesn't automatically equate to being under control any more than being off a leash automatically equates to being out of control.
I would also suggest that the last paragraph of Truthtimeplease' reply be read again. Perhaps I have completely misunderstood the suggestion that a dog killing a cat is good because it protects a lifetime of birds. Could you provide your own interpretation of the last paragraph?
"Could you provide your own interpretation of the last paragraph?"
"The mother and daughter who apparently owned the dog drove away with their pet.".
Err they drove away.
I meant the last paragraph of Truthtimeplease' reply, not the last paragraph of the article.
On my daily walks I see a lot of dead birds. Cats always get the blame, but the ones I see are killed by cars, and far more than most people imagine.
In this case, the victim might just as well have been a child. Why are so many people so quick to defend dogs that kill?
Way too much information, ODT. You will give the kiddies nightmares and what purpose does that serve? "The dog attacked the cat and killed it." should be quite sufficient.
David M, you at least are obviously a reasonable citizen; the other comments----Ddn. seems to have a lot of cat haters/dog lovers. Cats don't kill sheep, penguins, or kids.