Stolen for fight 'bait'

SPCA Condemns Men's Disturbing Actions

ROSS GIBLIN/ The Dominon Post

LOVEABLE LINCOLN: Owner Janet Cuthers says Lincoln is lovely and placid. "He just likes to lie around, he's very friendly, he thinks he's a human.'' Four men are thought to have set two pit bulls on to him.

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An elderly dog, stolen from its owner's home and used as fighting "bait", was mauled by snarling pit bull terriers then suffered a man trying to break its legs.

Lincoln, a 14-year-old ridgeback cross, was left cowering and bleeding after the brutal attack and is now recovering from serious bite wounds at Wellington SPCA.

The charity is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to conviction of those behind the callous crime. Four men are thought to have been involved.

Yesterday, distressed owner Janet Cuthers said Lincoln was "a lovely, placid dog". "He just likes to lie around, he's very friendly, he thinks he's a human. He's an innocent dog, and these people were going to leave him for dead. I'd like to snap their necks," she said.

The pet was stolen from Mrs Cuthers' home in Titahi Bay about 10am on Monday.

At midday a witness saw him at Shelly Bay with a man who arrived in a red hatchback.

A pit bull chained to the back of a white van was set on Lincoln, and another pit bull encouraged to join in.

"They were biting him on his neck, legs, everywhere. He was all bleeding," the witness said.

When Lincoln bit one of the pit bulls, a man tried to break his legs by pulling them apart. "I think because it got a hunk of the other dog they just wanted to kill it."

The witness called police and the men fled. "It was disgusting. I've got dogs and I'd hate them to be used like this."

After the attack, Lincoln hid in a toilet block and had to be coaxed out by police and animal control officers. Detective Rebecca Snook of Porirua police said the incident was dreadful.

"It appears the elderly dog was brought in to be killed or used as bait for dog-fighting practice."

The owner of the red hatchback was described as a tall Maori, aged about 30, with a ponytail.

Dog fighting is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act. The maximum penalty is a $25,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

SPCA spokeswoman Lisa Snow said it was hard to say how big a problem dog fighting was because it was underground.

Mrs Cuthers said the next few days would be critical as vets tried to stop Lincoln's wounds getting infected. "He looks like he'll be OK."

Anyone with information can call Porirua police on 04 2381400.

- © Fairfax NZ News