“A few days ago our bro (Sarge) was the victim of gross negligence, incompetency and the most disgusting behaviour you could ever imagine,” the post said.
“Rest in peace . . . you were never just a dog to us, you were and will forever be our family.”
Sarge was spoken of highly by Hullkfit, which said the much-loved dog had a habit of making sure nobody was left behind on the runs.
Even after months of not seeing a group member, he would welcome them back into the fold.
Gisborne District Council has since confirmed in a statement that an “unfortunate incident” had occurred where a family’s dog was mistakenly put down while being held at the pound.
The animal control officer concerned was remorseful and shaken following the event, the council said.
“Council has launched a comprehensive investigation to understand the circumstances that led to this grievous error.
“While not all the facts are known, it appears this was a regrettable case of human error, where the dog was mistakenly identified for another dog that was scheduled to be put down on the same day.”
Gisborne District Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann told Radio NZ that Sarge was picked up after he was found roaming the neighbourhood.
Because his owners were not at home, he was then taken to the pound where he was put down in error.
The council said in its statement it would take appropriate measures to make sure the same mistake did not happen again.
