Invercargill Council to ditch captive bolt guns to destroy dogs ... for now

Invercargill Council will only use lethal injection to destroy dangerous dogs while it reviews the use of captive bolt guns. Photo / File

Invercargill Council will stop using the controversial captive bolt gun to euthanise dogs while it consults the community about its practices around rehoming and euthanising ill-tempered canines.

The council has come under fire for using a captive bolt gun to euthanise dogs after footage emerged two weeks ago of a dog being shot in the head with the gun by a council animal control officer.

The council voted today to only use the lethal injection to put dogs down while it sets up a community engagement panel. A lethal injection requires the animals being taken to the vet rather than it being carried out on site.

Deputy mayor Rebecca Amunsden said there was a "firm and loud" public response to the video showing a dog being put down by a captive bolt gun, but wanted the council to consider all points of view from the community before the council made a definitive decision.

The panel will be made up of community representatives and will look at expert advice before making a recommendation to the council around the favoured method of euthanising dogs and the best process for rehoming suitable dogs.

Invercargill Council chief executive Richard King previously defended the council's use of the guns saying it was humane and safer for dogs and staff.

A recent inspection of standards and practices at the pound by the Ministry for Primary Industries also cleared the council of any mistreatment.

The council aimed to rehome dogs with good temperament and only destroyed menacing and dangerous dogs.

Paw Justice also condemned the practice saying it was "brutal" and should not been used to put down dogs.