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Pit Bull Attacks Horses and Riders at Muriwai Beach

Pit bull Attacks 4 Horses and Riders
New Zealand - A pitbull attack on horses and riders near Muriwai Beach is one of the worst Rodney animal control officers say they have seen. They describe the unprovoked attack on four horses as particularly vicious. "It was horrific," says Kim Bell, who is a trek guide. "Several of the horses will be out for a couple of months because they have injuries."

Police say the dog ran into a group of eight horses, attacking four of them. Two riders were also injured in the attack.

Kumeu police sergeant Murray Smith says the dog owners then appeared and tried to grab the dog. "They were confronted by the people riding the horses and the pair -- a man and woman in their mid-20s -- became quite angry and abusive towards the horse riders." He added that "one of them pushed one of the riders over on the ground."

The police say the couple then got into a vehicle and drove off. "Members of the riding party took down the license number and reported the incident to the police and dog control," said Smith. A council spokesman says the dog has disappeared and strenuous efforts are being made to locate it. Police plan to lay prosecution against the dog owners.

In 2003, New Zealand passed the Dog Control Amendment Act that banned certain breeds from future importation, including: American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila, and Japanese Tosa. Importation bans, however, do not necessarily address dogs living in the country prior the ban.

Related articles:
08/10/08: Video: Two Pit Bulls Attack and Kill Horse in Kingsport
01/231/08: Arabian Horse Euthanized After Pit Bull Attack

See all: Horse Attacks by Pit Bulls

Labels: Horse Attack