Fatal dog attack could just have easily been student, principal says

Friday, 29 May 2026

The mauling death of a much-loved family dog at a New Plymouth primary school has prompted deep concern from the principal that the victim could just as easily have been a child.

West End Te Kura Ō Mōrere principal Hamish Hislop said the fatal attack by an off-lead dog happened on the school grounds about 5.30pm on Tuesday with the incident captured on CCTV.

The attack that killed an 11-year-old dog called Sebby shocked the school community and sparked calls on social media for the owner of the attack dog to be identified after reportedly leaving the scene without offering assistance.

“They weren’t under control or under the owner’s management,” Hislop said.

“Our big concern is that it could have easily been a little kid on a scooter or a person playing basketball at 5.30 on a Tuesday night.”

Hislop said the school became aware of the incident that evening through a family connection. He then reviewed security footage, which showed a large dog arriving on the school grounds before later wandering around the site unattended.

A social media post from dog daycare centre Hounds Hangout under the title “Community Safety Warning” said the attack claimed the life of Sebby.

The post said Sebby, which looked similar to a small-sized poodle cross, was being walked by his owner when he was attacked by a large tan-coloured mixed-breed dog.

“What makes this heartbreaking situation even worse is that the person that was with the attacking dog immediately fled the scene, offering no help and leaving no contact information,” it said.

The dog was accompanied by a female owner, who had long (past shoulder length) hair, and was wearing black pants and a black hoodie, the post said.

The post attracted 100 comments and was shared close to 100 times. A number said it seemed like the number of dog attacks on other dogs was growing.

The owner of the attacking dog had not yet been identified.

Hounds Hangout could not be reached for comment.

Hislop said while the people involved were not connected to the school, the incident had deeply affected the wider community.

“It was pretty devastating to our school community to know that happened at our school.”

The attack highlighted a broader issue of the public, he said, who treat school grounds as a public parks outside school hours.

While it had signs stating dogs were not permitted on site, the school’s policy allows dogs if they are on a leash and under the control of an adult.

“We’re relying on people being good dog owners. We’re relying on people keeping their dogs under control if they’re here.”

He said concerns had been heightened by reports of another dog-related incident at the school in recent weeks, although school staff were unaware of it at the time.

The school had supplied CCTV footage to authorities and had been working with New Plymouth District Council animal control officers while also seeking assistance from police and the community to identify the dog and its owner.

“We’ve asked people who we know live on different sides of the school if they recognise the dog and the owner so everyone’s got their eyes out. Everyone wants to make sure that everyone’s safe,” Hislop said.

Meanwhile, Hounds Hangout had urged dog owners exercising pets in the area to remain vigilant and report any aggressive or loose dogs to animal control.

A council spokesperson said they were aware of the incident and it was being investigated.