Help needed to nab roaming dogs

Photo File

Roaming dogs have plagued the Raetihi area over the past six months and killed sheep.

Now the Ruapehu District Council wants Raetihi residents and the farming community to report any roaming dogs they see.

Council compliance team leader Brenda Ralph said council staff had been called out to a number of horrific attacks where sheep had been killed or had to be put down because of their injuries.

Mrs Ralph is asking residents to advise the council of any roaming dogs, or if their stock has been attacked, even if they didn't see the dogs involved.

"Once dogs start this behaviour, they will keep doing it until they are caught."

She said dog owners should ensure their dogs were always under control when exercising, and it was important that dogs could not roam at night, as this was often when attacks occurred.

"Happily, things seem to have calmed down for now but experience tells us that this won't last."

Mrs Ralph said many people could not believe their beloved family pet that "wouldn't hurt a fly" would attack sheep.

"Unfortunately, when dogs get together in a pack, their hard-wired hunter instincts are dominant."

People calling council with information can remain anonymous if they wish.

"Council will investigate all reported attacks; however, information from the public is usually always the key to catching the dogs involved in these types of incidents."