Hinemoa Elder's dogs put down

Hinemoa Elder

Two alaskan malamute huskies belonging to Hinemoa Elder have been destroyed after they intimidated people and attacked another dog on Waiheke Island.

The two malamutes were usually kept in a fenced enclosure at Dr Elder's Onetangi home on the northeastern coast of Waiheke.

But last Wednesday they found their way to Rocky Bay on the opposite coast where they attacked a springer spaniel, menaced people in a seaside park and then burst into a couple's home.

It was unclear whether the dogs bit the occupants of the house, but it is understood the couple were concerned for the safety of their young child and rang Auckland City's dog control service.

An obviously upset Dr Elder had no comment yesterday other than to confirm she had had the dogs put down the same day.

Auckland City Council spokesman Mark Fenwick said it appeared the dogs, thought to be aged around 6 or 7, might have swum around the coast from Onetangi to Rocky Bay. Once ashore, they appeared intent on mischief.

"After taking a dislike to the springer spaniel and giving it a bit of a mauling, they then wandered on to a property and apparently entered the house intent on harming the occupants," he said.

The spaniel had to have stitches in its leg and genital area.

Dr Elder, a former television presenter and the former wife of broadcaster Paul Holmes, has lived on the island for some years. After a medical degree, she began specialist training to become a registered psychiatrist. She is also an advocate for a regional arts trust.