Recent reports of stock worrying in the Carterton District have prompted the council to warn residents about dogs wandering in the area.
A Carterton District Council [CDC] spokesperson told the Times-Age that after receiving reports of sheep being mauled, CDC sent letters to the affected areas of Haringa Rd and Hururua Rd to ensure farmers in the area are aware of roaming dogs.
The letter read:
“There have been reports of stock worrying in this area.
“In a very short time, a pet dog can cause thousands of dollars in damage and significant inhumane suffering.
“The owner of a dog that attacks stock is liable for the damage they cause, a fine of up to $3000, and the dog can be destroyed on the spot.
“All dog breeds are capable of stock worrying.
“If you witness dogs attacking stock, please call Police 111 or Carterton Animal Control on 06 379 4030.”
“We encourage anyone who is aware of stock worrying to please report it to council,” the CDC spokesperson said.
The Times-Age contacted both Masterton District Council [MDC] and South Wairarapa District Council to ask about stock worrying and how many reports they have received this year.
In response, MDC said it had received two reports of worrying in August, although it wasn’t possible in either case to definitively identify the dogs involved. MDC also received two separate reports of attacks on new lambs in August.
A MDC spokesperson said in one case, it was the owner’s own dog that was responsible, and the dog was surrendered.
In the second case, it was deemed the lambs were dead before the dog became involved.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for SWDC said that its environmental control officers received one dog attack on sheep report this year, but insufficient information was provided so no further action was taken.
