NEW Zealand police fired their guns 12 times at a snarling rottweiler during a domestic dispute but missed every time, local media reported. Officers had already tried capsicum spray on the "large, lunging rottweiler" with no effect, the New Zealand Press Assocation said. A 19-year-old man threw an axe, logs and bottles at police who tried to arrest him last night at Porirua, near Wellington, before setting his partner's dog on officers, Inspector John Spence said.
"Vengeance!"
After the capsicum spray failed to subdue the rottweiler, the young officers began shooting at the dog as it ran around the property, but missed.
Asked why police fired so many shots at the dog, Insp Spence said shooting at moving things in real life was different to shooting at targets at the range. "It was a small, fast moving target. I am satisfied no members of the public were put at risk," he said.
The 90-minute stand-off ended when police set three of their own dogs on the man, inflicting leg wounds that needed surgery. The rottweiler was returned to its owner and would not be put down, police said.
