Dog dies after attack on riverside walkway

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Rory was a much-loved family pet who died of his injuries after being attacked by another dog on the Manawatū Riverside shared pathway.

A fatal dog attack in Palmerston North has devastated a local family whose much-loved pet Rory died from his injuries.

City council manager for environmental protection services Caleb Johnson is asking for help to identify the pitbull-type dog that attacked Rory, and that dog’s owner.

The attack happened on the Massey side of the Manawatū River shared pathway between He Ara Kotahi and Fitzherbert bridges around 9.30am on Saturday.

Rory was a Spaniel Welsh Springer/Poodle mix who was being walked on his leash - which was the rule for that part of the pathway - when he was attacked by an off-leash dog.

Rory's owner and members of the public attempted to separate the dogs and help, but the team at Massey vets was unable to save Rory, and he died of his injuries.

The attacking dog and its owner had not been identified.

Johnson said witnesses described the attacking dog as a “pitbull-type breed” with a solid build, white colouring, and a dark grey patch over its right eye, and the owner as “a white man with dark hair, around 1.75M (5'8) with a solid build, wearing a blue cap.”

The council’s animal management team had followed up with Rory’s owner, who was “understandably devastated”.

Council staff had taken a formal statement from Rory’s owner and were actively investigating the incident.

They were reviewing CCTV footage from the area and reviewing the dog database for information.

“We’re now asking that anyone who might have information that could help identify the dog or its owner, to come forward,” Johnson said.

Palmerston North is home to more than 9500 registered dogs .

Johnson said the vast majority of dog owners were responsible and helped make city parks and walkways safe places for everyone.

“While incidents like this are rare, they have a devastating impact on families and pets,” Johnson said.

“Council requires all dog owners to ensure their dogs are under control at all times.”

Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to urgently contact Palmerston North City's Council's Animal Management team by calling 06 356 8199 or emailing info@pncc.govt.nz.

“Even small details could assist council's investigation and help provide answers for Rory's family,” Johnson said.