“THE OUTLAW”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26853, 18 August 1948, Page 4

“THE OUTLAW”

STILL AT LIBERTY CENTRE OF ATTENTION MUCH FOOD PROVIDED That fine-looking young black sheep dog, “ The Outlaw,” is still at large in the Town Belt area above Heriot row, Dunedin, and, according to all reports, he is leading a life of luxury and leisure. Since his photograph and story appeared in the Daily Times a fortnight ago, he has become the centre ol 1 widespread interest and lavish attention. He remains continually on guard, however, and numerous attempts to catch him in the past two weeks have all proved unsuccessful. When he was brought to Dunedin by car some months ago, “The Outlaw” was little more than a pup. His new owner took him walking one night, it is believed, and he escaped from the leash in Filleul street and made for the “tall timber.” He has remained in the bush of the Town Belt ever since.

At first a few householders in the vicinity took pity on him and provided him with regular meals. Now, it is believed, his hosts number hundreds, including kindly women from as far afield as Anderson’s Bay and NorthEast Valley, who visit his hide-out regularly, bringing him food.

While attempts to capture ‘ The Outlaw” are being made continually, a strong body of opinion is growing that he should be allowed to run free. Several persons, expressing this view, have stated that they will do all that they can to protect the dog from capture.

The concern of the General Committee of the City Council at the number of unregistered dogs in the city was expressed this week by the chairman of the committee, Cr E. J. Smith, but whether the General Committee will pay any attention to “The Outlaw ” remains to be seen. As time goes by, " The Outlaw ” grows bigger and fatter. The time has arrived, in fact, when the dog’s original owners would have great difficulty in identifying him as the meek little pup that was brought to the city from Cromwell earlier in the year.