Owners warned to keep dogs under control

Mismothering has been caused by the dogs running rampant. Photo / File

A dog attack on pregnant and lambed ewes has prompted Hawarden farmers Richard and Mez Power to remind people to know where their dogs are at all times.

A mob of 2-tooth twin lambing ewes has been attacked on their farm and Mrs Power said the most distressing part was the ewe had the lambs chewed out of her while still alive.

The other problem they faced was the amount of mismothering caused by the dogs running rampant.

Lambing time near townships was always a problem.

Dogs that normally would not stray were attracted by the smells from afterbirth and blood.

But dogs were not the only issues; any loud noises or people walking past could upset stock and cause them to take flight which could result in mismothering as well.

The Powers said they had not had the dog or dogs back, but would be carrying a rifle at all times on the farm and if any dogs were seen on the property they risked being shot.

''Just please everyone know where your dogs are at all times and make sure they can't get out of your property.''

The Powers were finalists in the Romney section of this year's New Zealand Ewe Hogget Competition.

- Otago Daily Times