Dog attacks on sheep to bring prosecution

16 September 2014

A hard line will be taken against owners of dogs caught attacking livestock in the Taupo District after an increase in the number of animals being mauled.

Taupo District Council compliance officers have been dealing with dogs worrying sheep, cattle and horses on properties on Centennial Drive in Taupo, in the Whangamata Road area and on Forest Road just north of Taupo in recent weeks.

In one of these cases a dog had to be shot on site while attacking a sheep and another was able to be caught and taken to the council's animal management facility. The dog's fate now rests with the Taupo District Court.

Environmental compliance manager Donna Little said the attacks were serious and cost livestock owners both financially and mentally.

Livestock owners are not only traumatised by witnessing the horrific injures to their animals, but also have to bear the costs for treatment of injured animals and the disposal of dead animals, she said. There are some really anxious members of the farming community out there who are worried about future attacks on stock.

In some cases the offending dogs have not yet been caught, but the owners of dogs allegedly responsible for one attack are being pursued for reparation. At least 28 sheep were killed or injured by the dogs, resulting in about $7000 loss of stock.

Last month two sheep, a cow and a horse were attacked in Forrest Road. A large tan dog believed to be responsible for the attack is still on the loose. If you have any information, contact the council's compliance team on 07 376 0899.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz