MURRINDINDI.
Murrindindi Shire Council asks residents to ensure their dogs are securely confined to their properties at all times.
This follows increasing reports of dog attacks on livestock over the past few weeks across the Shire. In particular, there has been a spike in dog attacks on sheep, with a number of animals left badly injured or dead.
Council Mayor, Charlie Bisset, said with the winter temperatures easing, dogs were more inclined to wander greater distances particularly when spring lambs are being born.
Cr Bisset has a farming background and knows only too well how distressing these attacks are for farmers.
“It’s just horrifying to find your animals dead, or mauled and seriously injured, possibly suffering for hours,” Cr Bisset said.
“Livestock attacks by our domestic dogs can be avoided by owners being more vigilant.
“It’s important to remind owners that under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, landowners have the right to destroy a dog if it’s found at large on their property in an area where stock is kept,” Cr Bisset said.
Cr Bisset said on the flip-side, it was also sad when family pets were destroyed simply because their owners failed to keep them properly secured within their own property.
Cr Bisset urged anyone who sees dogs, either domestic or wild, wandering around properties with livestock to contact Local Laws officers 5772 0333 during business hours or after hours on 0419 572 425.
Text & Images ©COPYRIGHT 2017 Kinglake Ranges News.
