Howletts to review gate security after dholes breakout

23/02/2009

Howletts is set to replace all wooden gates for dogs and small cats after eight dholes managed to escape their enclosure, it has been revealed.

The wild dogs escaped their enclosure, which was secured with a double porch system and included a wooden door that opened up to a small corridor that is also protected with a chain link gate, but were subsequently shot, according to Your Canterbury News.

"It's unprecedented. The wooden porch system has been in place for years. Why they decided to break out that night I couldn't honestly tell you," Howletts' animal director Neil Spooner told the news provider.

Metal doors, which are already in place for securing big cats at Howletts, will now replace wooden ones for all small cat and dog enclosures, the publication added.

People who make the trip to Howletts will also find glass-fronted tiger enclosures as well as other endangered species from across the world.