Pensioner pleads for doomed stray dog

A Hamilton pensioner is on a crusade to save the life of an impounded dog on death row because of its breed.

Ross Penn rang dog control at Hamilton City Council on Sunday after the young bitch followed neighbourhood children home to his Nawton street the day before.

But the 68-year-old dog owner was appalled to find out several days later the "delightful little dog" had been classified part pit bull terrier, which under council bylaw meant she would be destroyed in seven days if the owner was not found.

It also prevents the council from re-homing the dog because pit bulls are considered dangerous dogs.

Mr Penn argued the dog was part Weimaraner and should be able to be adopted. He also wanted a review of the council bylaw.

"She had such a laid-back attitude. She played with the kids all day."

And he has the support of Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe who suggested the council show some festive spirit and give the dog a chance.

Mr Macindoe wrote to the council this week requesting a stay of execution to allow Mr Penn a chance to get a vet to classify the dog in mid-January.

"In the spirit of Christmas please give the dog the benefit of the doubt and give Mr Penn a chance to prove his case," Mr Macindoe said.

"But of course they are faced with the cost of looking after it."

Despite admitting it was "quite a nice dog" and not aggressive, the council said its animal control officers had already determined the dog's breed as part pit bull.

Spokeswoman Monica Holt said dog control officers had to follow the bylaw and without registration tags, a microchip, or anyone reporting the dog lost, it was proving difficult to find the owner.

She said the dog was a bit thin, which led staff to believe it had been wandering for some time and that Mr Penn had no rights over the pooch. Miss Holt said it was not the first time Mr Penn had rung the council to complain about dog issues.

A request by the Waikato Times to photograph the dog was declined but the paper understands it is tan and white.

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