Police in New Zealand shot and killed a security dog at the Auckland Airport, where the animal had been running loose for hours and could not be captured.
Something spooked Grizz, a 10-month-old bearded collie/German short-haired pointer cross, and he ran free from his handler early St. Patrick’s Day morning. Officials called police for help and gave the order to shoot.
“We exhausted every option available and could not catch it,” an Auckland Airport spokesman told the BBC.
Unfortunately still delays @AKL_Airport due to dog on our airfield updates to follow
— Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) March 16, 2017
Update dog that was on the airfield at AKL_Airport has now been caught
— Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) March 16, 2017
Unfortunately an Aviation Security dog was shot this morn @AKL_Airport staff had tried for 3 hours to catch it our thoughts are with handler
— Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) March 16, 2017
New Zealand Police also confirmed the sad news in a statement from Inspector Tracy Phillips, Counties Manukau District:
“Police can confirm that Auckland Airport staff directed police to shoot the AVSEC dog which was loose at the airport this morning.
This followed considerable efforts over several hours by AVSEC and airport staff to contain the dog after it was first reported to be loose at 4am.
Police based at the airport provide a range of support, and were in a supporting role for this incident which was led by airport staff and AVSEC.
Our thoughts are with the AVSEC dog handler involved. This is not an outcome which anyone wanted, and police were only asked to be involved as a last resort.”
Moses Robbins was stuck on the tarmac as all this was happening and of course, streaming it with the note, “Dog loose on Auckland Airport runway.”
The outrage was swift. A petition was established asking for “justice for Grizz.” And, social media blew up.
5:16: am hi guys dogs still on loose.
5:30 am: all good dog secure. Flights✈️
6:30am : actually, yeah, we SHOT Grizz. pic.twitter.com/Ie26jZknKz— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) March 16, 2017
*looks at New Zealand news*
THEY SHOT A DOG!
— Jeffrey Simpson (@DoctorJeph) March 16, 2017
i am so angry that auckland airport and the police shot grizz dead… he was just a puppy #shameonyou #ripgrizz pic.twitter.com/My3CszeZl0
— taylor anderson (@detcom20) March 17, 2017
Grizz the slain airport dog is making headlines and breaking hearts all over the world https://t.co/Ldo4k6pp38 pic.twitter.com/pH945xPe7K
— nzherald (@nzherald) March 17, 2017
Photos AVSEC
