The Gisborne family said 'Sarge' was collared and chipped and was taken from a fenced area at their house. Photo: Supplied
A Gisborne family's beloved pet dog has been killed after authorities mistook it for another dog due to be put down.
Gisborne District Council is investigating the "very unfortunate incident", which happened on Friday. It said the dog was being held at the pound and appeared to have been mistakenly identified for another dog which was scheduled to be put down on the same day.
In a social media post, the family said 'Sarge' was "the victim of gross negligence, [incompetence] and the most disgusting behaviour you could ever imagine".
They said the collared and chipped dog was taken from a fenced area at his house, despite neighbours' objections, and was put down at the pound before anyone had a chance to collect him.
The council has apologised for the "grievous" and "regrettable case of human error".
It said it was taking the matter seriously, and it would take appropriate measures to ensure it learnt from this and that anything like it would not happen again.
Gisborne District Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann said Sarge was picked up after he was found roaming the neighbourhood.
"The animal control officer advised that he nearly got hit by a car. So he was collected, and she identified the location of Sarge's owners, the properties, took him back to those properties, no one was home" Thatcher Swann said.
"Our standard operating procedure is that if there is no one home, we cannot leave the dog there because they may escape again."
It seemed the officer who euthanised Sarge realised his own mistake after the event, she said.
Thatcher Swann has contacted the family and would meet them, along with the mayor, when they were ready.
One staff member had been placed on leave and the council was not ruling out disciplinary action.
"There are individuals involved and we need to determine what next steps are appropriate concerning our staff and to also give assurance that we do have the right procedures in place, and identify where the failings were."
The council had failed the community and would need to work hard to regain its confidence, she said.
"Dogs are normally held for eight days in our pound, before anything happens we contact the owners. They have time to collect them and that is what you expect. No one, no one expects this to happen to their baby, their fur baby.
"I completely understand, I have two of my own [dogs] ... we are just really sorry for what has happened."
The council said it was also supporting the animal control officer involved, who was deeply remorseful and shaken.
