Dog at centre of long court battle to be euthanased

Mayor Ross Church has confirmed that the dog at the centre of a two-year Court battle after being seized by the Council is to be euthanased today.

American Staffordshire Terrier-Great Dane Cross Beau has been held in the Council Pound while his owner Julie Snodgrass appealed the District Court destruction order, first through the High Court and then through seeking a judicial review of Council processes.

Last week the judicial review was dismissed and, with successive court decisions in its favour, Council set a date to euthanase the dog.

Opponents of that decision, led by the animal welfare organisation Helping You Help Animals (HUHA) marched on Council’s Kapiti headquarters this afternoon.

After an hour long meeting with the protest organisers, Mayor Church addressed a noisy crowd and read a joint statement from himself and HUHA.

“We have had a robust and honest discussion. While we have differing views, we are all dog lovers and are sad it has come to this.

“We agree 100% that Beau has been let down by an irresponsible owner. We will work with HUHA to ensure all owners know and accept their responsibilities.

“HUHA are disappointed in the Council process and would have liked to have saved Beau’s life. However all legal decisions have confirmed the Council has followed correct procedures, and Beau will be euthanased forthwith.”

The Mayor said Council has committed to work with HUHA and will initiate regular meetings to establish a closer working relationship to ensure all dog owners understand their responsibilities.