10 September 2004

Overnight dog attacks kills 25 sheep and lambs

The killers of 25 pregnant ewes and new born lambs at a Swanson farmlet are sought by Waitakere City Council Animal Welfare officers.

Two small to medium dogs, believed to be terriers, were seen near the attack site in Birdwood Road.

Animal Welfare staff have been going from door to door seeking information about last night’s attack. They have also set traps on the Birdwood Rd property to try to catch the canine offenders.

A further 20 sheep were injured in the attack which saw the other half of the flock either killed outright or so badly injured they were put down by a veterinarian.

The surviving sheep have been penned more closely to the house.

This is the third such attack at Waitakere City this lambing season. There was one elsewhere in Swanson and another at Glen Eden.

“This was an especially awful attack. It was terrible for the farmer. People must keep their dogs under control, especially at this time of year, when the ewes are on the verge of lambing,” says Tom Didovich, Animal Welfare Manager.

ENDS

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