Attack dog euthanised as Darwin city council investigation fails to find owner

A dog that attacked a man outside a Top End shopping centre has been put down. Read how the victim feels about the investigation’s outcome.

A dog that attacked an elderly man and his own dog outside a Nightcliff shopping centre last month has been euthanised after council officers were unable to find its owner.

The large brown dog set upon the man outside the Nightcliff shops on June 25 after also attacking a woman and her two dogs on the same day and was later caught and impounded by Darwin City Council rangers.

On Friday, a council spokeswoman said an investigation launched following the aggressive dog’s capture had concluded and the animal had since been put down.

“As part of the investigation the victim has been informed and they have told us they are satisfied with the outcome,” she said.

“City of Darwin is still following up with further information to locate an owner who may be deemed responsible.”

A woman's dogs were attacked outside Nightcliff Shopping Centre in June. Picture: Peter Poniris

The incident was witnessed by several horrified shoppers and centre security staff who tried to stop the savage and sustained early-morning attack.

The elderly man was walking along the footpath beside the driveway into the centre carpark when the other dog attacked the pet.

While the man desperately tried to save his dog, passers-by ran to help and eventually separated the two animals.

The pet suffered bite punctures to its back, neck and rear right side and was treated at Darwin Veterinary Hospital.

The man was treated at Royal Darwin Hospital.