Dog killed in motorcycle hit-and-run in Lower Hutt off-leash walking location

A Lower Hutt female is reeling after a motorcycle rider hit and killed her dog in an off-leash location, then repelled without stopping.

Meg Wakelin and her mom Rose Ayers were walking her 3 dogs along the gravel river pathway near the Block Rd parking lot by State Highway 2 and had actually simply taken them for a beverage at the river.

It had to do with 4pm on Monday and they were heading back to the track when her 2-year-old Westie-toy poodle cross Ruby worked on to the gravel path awaiting Wakelin to toss a ball.

“She was standing still there for a few seconds and I threw the ball but at the same time a white dirt bike struck her,” Wakelin said.

The rider did not stop or perhaps decrease and continued at speed towards the parking lot.

She said the bike was taking a trip quick enough that she might not hear it approaching prior to Ruby reached the course. There are check in the location prohibiting motorised automobiles.

She did not get a good take a look at the bike, as it was going so quick, and her attention was on Ruby.

“I knew her injuries weren’t survivable immediately.”

Ruby was limp and unconscious, with blood originating from her mouth, Wakelin said.

“I picked her up and started carrying her to the nearest road exit. I think I knew she wouldn’t live but I felt like I had to try to get to the vet, and I just wanted to hold her.

“She stopped breathing and died in my arms a few minutes later, only making one little noise before she went.”

Wakelin took Ruby to the veterinarian, who validated she had actually passed away.

“She was perfectly behaved, great recall, in an off-leash dog park, so happy and healthy, and she should have been safe. If I had thrown the ball one second faster she may have lived.”

Wakelin desired the rider to understand “what a huge hole Ruby has left in our lives”.

“She was not just a dog, she was a lifeline, a huge piece of our hearts who brought joy to so many people, including people who fell in love with her on social media.”

Wakelin said Ruby’s “endless love and affection” and the time she invested with her assisted her through anxiety and stress and anxiety. Ruby “honestly saved my life, bringing hope and adventure back into it “, she said.

“I know people who aren’t dog people won’t understand, but she was an absolute star.

“I discovered a hobby of photography and created an Instagram page for her, rubytherealdog, even making friends through that community. The things I love most revolved around her and now I’m at a loss. For her to be killed so callously somewhere she should have been safe is just devastating.”

Ruby had actually left “two very sad dog siblings that are clearly grieving now”.

It was “unbelievable” to lose her in such a method. Ruby remained in “a place where a well-behaved, under-control dog should have been safe”.

“[The rider’s] recklessness and thoughtlessness destroyed our lives. But I think the sort of person who drove like that where they weren’t allowed, putting people and animals at such risk, wouldn’t care what I said. I don’t think he would have much empathy or decency at all.”

Wakelin desired the rider to be discovered and held responsible however felt it was not likely to take place.

“I know holding someone accountable won’t really help with Ruby’s loss, and ultimately what I want is for no one else to go through this. There has been a problem with dirt bikes riding dangerously in council parks for too long.”

The bollards and signs presently in location not did anything to deter riders, she said. Better bollards or security electronic cameras might help, she recommended.

Police validated they received a report of a “vehicle collision” on Block Rd, Tirohanga, about 6.40pm on Monday, with the occurrence having actually occurred about 4pm.

“Police are in the initial phase of assessing the case,” a representative said.

Greater Wellington Regional Council basic supervisor of catchment management Wayne O’Donnell said it was checking out the occurrence and assisting authorities.

“Motorbikes are not permitted anywhere on the Hutt River Trail,” he said.