Our View: Attack on pigs a cruel crime

It was an appalling act of animal cruelty.

Two men set three dogs on two pigs in a paddock and filmed the horrifying attack as the dogs ripped off the pigs' ears and mauled their legs.

The offenders fled the scene when they realised nearby horse riders had witnessed the attack on Friday.

The Bay of Plenty Times first reported on the incident on Saturday and yesterday revealed that the two pigs were later shot by police.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council animal control services says the owner of the pigs was on the property at the time of the attack and "knew what was going on". He consented to the euthanasia of the animals.

The two men who set the dogs on the pigs have not been found.

Pig hunting is one of this country's long-standing pastimes - and while some do not like it, it is legal to set your dog on a pig in the wild.

But what sort of people would knowingly set trained hunting dogs on two defenceless animals in an enclosed space?

What is even more disgusting is that the men then held the pigs down, letting the dogs chew on their back legs. Knowing they were caught in the act, these cowards fled with a complete disregard for the wellbeing of the animals.

It is understood this practice is common when training hunting dogs but one must question their intentions when filming the attack.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, a staunch animal rights advocate, said the attack was "terrible and cruel exploitation of animals" and said the filming of it "for probable entertainment value makes it even worse."

This attack was an unnecessary act of animal cruelty and we must hope the offenders are caught and prosecuted.

One thing we can be thankful for is Mr Bridges' bill that was introduced last year, which will ensure, that if caught, these offenders will face tough penalties.