Roaming dogs kill 142 lambs in South Auckland farm attacks

A total of 142 lambs were killed and another 86 injured in two attacks at the Manukau farm.

Warning: The content in this story could be upsetting to some readers.

More than 100 lambs have been killed by three roaming dogs, and more injured, in two separate incidents at a regional working farm in South Auckland.

The attacks occurred on two seperate days, January 16 and January 19, at Puhinui Reserve in Manukau.

A total of 142 lambs were killed and another 86 injured in the two attacks.

Auckland Council regional parks farming business manager Mozz Trueman said in a statement the incident was “grisly”.

The council-run sheep and cattle farm is open to the public and has walking tracks.

Staff took swift action to tidy up the site before visitors saw the devastation.

“It has been a particularly tough week for staff,” he said.

“We hope to never have to see this again.”

Three roaming dogs were believed to be responsible for the attacks.

The council’s animal management team found one dog, which was being held while evidence was gathered.

One of the three dogs believed to be responsible returned to the farm on January 20, but was prevented by a neighbour from reaching livestock.

The incident has forced rangers to move the remaining members of the flock to another site to keep them safe, and relocate others to a more visible part of the park.

Trueman said they estimated the financial loss to be around $19,000.

A total of 142 lambs were killed and another 86 injured in the two January attacks.

“This doesn’t take into account the toll incidents like these take on staff, who are dedicated to looking after the animals.

“And members of the public who may be unlucky to come across the grisly scenes.”

He was urging visitors to all regional working farms to call the council urgently if they see uncontrolled dogs roaming.

All dog owners must always keep their dogs secure on their properties when they’re not under supervision, Trueman said.

The council is urging anyone with information to contact them, as investigations continue.

“This time of year is particularly worrying with young, vulnerable stock on all our farms.”

Animal management acting manager Nikki Cripps said they were always grateful to receive calls from visitors and park neighbours.

“It again emphasises the need for responsible pet ownership; dog owners need to know where their dogs are at all times and contain them on their properties,” Cripps said.

“Roaming dogs can present a serious risk, not only to stock but to people, other wildlife and themselves.”

Under the Dog Control Act, it is an offence for dogs to injure, endanger or cause distress to any stock, poultry, domestic animal or protected wildlife.

Investigations are ongoing and a prosecution could follow.

The council is urging anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact 09 301 0101.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.