Amanda Hunt's 13-month-old rottweiler Buddy was shot at least three times by a dog ranger, who was called to her property by a neighbour who said Buddy and another of Mrs Hunt's dogs, a beagle-fox terrier called Bene, appeared to be "mauling" Mrs Hunt's pet goat on June 18.
The ranger's report says he could see the goat had been injured and he called the council to get the contact details of the owner of dogs registered to the property.
However, he was given the name of a previous occupant, and did not make contact with Mrs Hunt.
Instead it was another neighbour who alerted Mrs Hunt to the fact there was a man on her property shooting at her dog.
She left her work in Foxton and headed straight home.
The ranger's report says the two dogs were attacking the goat, so he yelled at them.
"The rottweiler came at me in an aggressive manner. It was my intention to shoot the dog and to destroy him with the one shot."
Buddy survived two shots to the head and one in the back before the neighbour who had called Mrs Hunt arrived and he escaped out of the property.
He was picked up by the ranger down the road, who took him to the vet.
Mrs Hunt disputes that the goat was mauled, saying she got a vet to check the animal, and it was found to have two superficial scratches on its neck.
Manawatu District Council environmental and support services manager Shayne Harris investigated if it contravened the legislation, or the service agreement between the council and Rangitikei District Council. From the evidence he was given, there was no breach on either count, he said.
Mr Harris said the council paid for Buddy's initial assessment at the vet. Despite the incident, he said the dog had not been classed as "menacing" or "dangerous".
Mrs Hunt said she felt the Rangitikei District Council should pay her vet bills, which was $2000 and mounting. Mrs Hunt is seeking legal advice.
(STUFF.CO.NZ - July 18, 2013)
