Attacking protected wildlife would usually earn a dog a death sentence. The fact a husky called Laska escaped that fate, and now has a new home, can be credited to the determination of Far North District Council compliance manager Darren Edwards to produce a happy ending.
The Kaikohe District Courtawarded an order for Laska's destruction in June, after her owner pleaded guilty to a charge of owning a dog that attacked protected wildlife near his home in Russell. He was convicted and fined $500, with court costs.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to three separate charges of failing to keep his dog under control, and was convicted and fined $130 on each.
Russell is a high-density kiwi environment, where dogs must be kept under control at all times, but despite the destruction order council staff were keen to rehome the husky.
Mr Edwards made a commitment to achieving that within two months and advertised Laska widely with dog owner groups and animal management colleagues at other councils.
No suitable home could be found, however, several potential owners pulling out once they learned of Laska's history of wandering and attacking wildlife.
"I was reluctant to give up, so extended the timeframe by another month," Mr Edwards said, "and that paid off. Laska has now been rehomed, within the Far North, with people who have a great understanding of animals and dog behaviour."
Huskies were known for having a strong instinct to wander, so finding a securely-fenced home had been the main priority.
"I'm very happy to report that she is now with responsible owners who understand how best to look after and train a dog like her. I'm sure she will have a happy life with them," Mr Edwards said.
He added the case underlined how all dog owners needed to think carefully about their responsibilities and ensure their property was well-fenced, especially in sensitive wildlife environments.
"This situation would never have happened had measures to control Laska been implemented as requested by animal management staff in the months leading up to her being impounded," he said.
Laska's owners Martin Allen and Lisa Wynyard had waged a three-month fight, including an online petition that attracted 29,935 signatures, 27,377 of them from overseas, to get their impounded pet back.
A Givealittle appeal to raise funds for legal fees raised $735.
