Apology from Gisborne District Council after wrong dog put down

Sarge was a regular on runs up Tītīrangi with the Hullkfit fitness group. A post commemorating his loss has had an outpouring of sadness. Picture supplied

A case of mistaken identity has resulted in a Gisborne dog being put down in error by the district council, which has apologised “unreservedly” for the mistake. 

Details of the incident have been captured in a lengthy social media post by local fitness group Hullkfit, which facilitates runs up Tītīrangi/Kaiti Hill.

The dog, Sarge, was a regular on the training runs, and his departure has triggered an outpouring of sorrow from the community.

Hullkfit said the collared and microchipped dog was taken from a fenced-in property on Friday by Gisborne District Council workers, who put him down before anyone had a chance to make it to the pound.

They said neighbours unsuccessfully tried to stop Sarge being taken.

“A few days ago our bro (Sarge) was the victim of gross negligence, incompetency and the most disgusting behaviour you could ever imagine,” the post said.

“Rest in peace . . . you were never just a dog to us, you were and will forever be our family.”

Sarge was spoken of highly by Hullkfit, which said the much-loved dog had a habit of making sure nobody was left behind on the runs.

Even after months of not seeing a group member, he would welcome them back into the fold.

Gisborne District Council has since confirmed in a statement that an “unfortunate incident” had occurred where a family’s dog was mistakenly put down while being held at the pound.

The animal control officer concerned was remorseful and shaken following the event, the council said.

“Council has launched a comprehensive investigation to understand the circumstances that led to this grievous error.

“While not all the facts are known, it appears this was a regrettable case of human error, where the dog was mistakenly identified for another dog that was scheduled to be put down on the same day.”

Gisborne District Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann told Radio NZ that Sarge was picked up after he was found roaming the neighbourhood.

Because his owners were not at home, he was then taken to the pound where he was put down in error.

The council said in its statement it would take appropriate measures to make sure the same mistake did not happen again.