September 17 2004

Officers turn to detective work to find Sheep-killer dogs in Ranui

Having been unable to catch two sheep-killing dogs in the act, Waitakere City Council Animal Welfare Services are now following up a variety of different leads in the hope that detective work will lead them to the culprits.

The dogs have killed or injured large numbers of sheep in Ranui, in several attacks over the last 10 days but descriptions are sketchy and patrols have failed to find them. The dogs are believed to be a tan colour and are possibly Staffordshire terriers or similar dogs.

Night time vigils will continue in a scaled down format and cage traps will continue to be set and monitored on the property.

Waitakere City Council Public Affairs Manager, Dai Bindoff says that a number of factors might account for the dogs not being found. These might include poor weather or dog owners keeping the dogs inside. It is even possible the dogs have been taken out of the area following the last attack.

The Council thanks the community for supplying the information it has received to date and is urging anyone with additional information to contact the Council’s call-centre on 839 0400.

Animal Welfare officers say the case highlights the need for dog owners to be aware that all domestic dogs have instincts and can develop dangerous habits if they are not properly trained and supervised.

ENDS

© Scoop Media