Armed hunt for savage pitbulls

A pack of marauding pitbulls are being hunted after reports the  dogs have been rushing people and attacking animals in a small Northland settlement.
Mahuta Gap residents say there has been a spate of incidents involving the dogs and farmers are now hunting them.  The region's animal control authority has sent out rangers armed with rifles to patrol the area, 12km southwest of Dargaville.
Ryan Wills, who  was chased by the dogs on his farm bike several months ago, said four dogs  had already been shot but farmers knew of  at least three others.  They feared there may be  more in the pack.
"These dogs are mean dogs. They stand up to people when they approach and we are really concerned for everyone's safety, especially for children," said Mr Wills.
On another occasion, dogs  pursued horses being ridden by two teenage girls for  1km along the beach.
Pru Bensemann, whose husband Bob works on a farm in the area, said the dogs appeared again several weeks ago.  Her husband and farm owner Jock Wills went to investigate after hearing the pack barking only 300m from the house and a bitch with half-grown pups rushed  at him.
"He was on foot and had to run ... Jock had to shoot her ... we felt terrible. I guess she was only protecting her puppies but she was vicious. What else could we do?" she said.
While no stock have yet been lost, the beef cattle are beginning to calve and farmers worry  young stock could be vulnerable.
On Sunday morning, a Dargaville couple driving back from the beach  came across a pitbull type dog jaw-locked on to a rottweiler.
Karol Simpson said her husband Paul would not risk getting out of the car but attempted to separate the dogs by nudging them with the  vehicle.
"We were yelling and throwing whatever we could find in the car at them. Paul kept on nudging but the pitbull wouldn't let go. The rotty was bleeding and was looking up at me with sheer terror in his eyes," said Mrs Simpson.
"At one stage, Paul managed to push the pitbull over a bank. It let go of the other dog and it tried to run off, but the pitbull came up the bank and grabbed the rotty again."
She said they spent about 15-20 minutes trying to separate the struggling dogs, when  the pitbull inexplicably released the rottweiler and took off.
"We were so relieved. It had been a nerve-racking experience," said Mrs Simpson.
She said they followed the rottweiler 30m to its own home and informed the owners of the incident. It is understood the dog required veterinary treatment for punctures to its face and throat.  The incident was reported to  police and dog control officers. 
Environmental Northland manager Keith Thompson said he was incredibly concerned about the situation.  Rangers were in the area with rifles and he asked if anyone saw anything to contact him.
"A group of dogs together is extremely dangerous, particularly this breed of animal." 
Mr Thompson said property owners could request  specially designed cages to catch wandering or vicious dogs. There were no charges for the use of the cage, its delivery or collection, but a $400 fully refundable bond was held until the cage was returned.
He was unconvinced all the problem dogs were dumped or lost pig hunting dogs.  "I bet some of these uncontrolled dogs have owners somewhere," he said.