A NATIMUK farmer has urged council to do more to stop dog attacks on sheep in the region.
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Farmer Brian Klowss said a dog mauled a lamb at his Polkemmet property on Saturday last week.
The attack came after three reports of dogs killing sheep in the Old Hamilton Road area at Haven last month.
Overall 27 sheep and lambs were killed in the area.
Mr Klowss said he witnessed the attack, along with the dog’s owner, but was told by council that nothing could be done about it.
“The owner said they were running the dog along the Wimmera River,” he said.
Mr Klowss said after the dog was restrained, he rang a Horsham Rural City ranger.
“The ranger refused to come out and told me to send photos and it would be dealt with on Monday.
“They told me that even though the dog was killing sheep, there was nothing they could do about it – it was ridiculous.”
Mr Klowss said council needed to do more to stop attacks.
“I’m not saying it’s the same dog, but council need to do something and destroy these dogs once they are caught,” he said.
Council regulatory services manager Lauren Coman said council had since spoken to Mr Klowss about the issue.
She said when the dog ran into the paddock, the owner immediately pursued the dog, but was not able to restrain it before it reached a lamb.
“He pulled his dog off, and dragged it back off the paddock to land adjacent to the river where they had their ute,” she said.
“The law is that the owner of livestock can shoot a dog found ‘at large’ near livestock.
“As the dog was in the ‘apparent control’ of its owner and was shortly thereafter restrained by the owner it was not ‘at large’.
“This situation differs significantly from the situation at Haven where dogs have been ‘at large’ overnight and attacking large numbers of sheep. “
Ms Coman said in this situation, the ranger was attending another matter at the time of the incident.
She said because the dog was not at large, the incident was deemed no longer urgent.
Ms Coman said the owner of the dog had committed an offence, and council was now taking appropriate action.
She said council encouraged all dog owners to be responsible.
“Dogs must be either on a lead or under control at all times,” she said
“COUNCIL is in the process of declaring the dog to be a menacing dog.
“This decision was made in consultation with the farmer.
“The dog owner has been advised.
“In light of recent events at Old Hamilton Road, council is encouraging farmers to be vigilant and check stock.
“Council is using traditional and social media, and door knocks in the area to communicate this.”
Horsham Rural City councillor David Grimble said in any dog attack, there was a clear onus on the dog owner to have responsibility over the dog.
“As a rural farmer and a producer, I’ve seen the ramifications of what happens when things go wrong,” he said.
“If a dog attacks an animal, it is capable of attacking young children.
“The owner then needs to analyse if that dog is appropriate to keep as a pet.”
Cr Grimble said working dogs could often be the culprit, because they became bored and frustrated if they were left at home.
“That’s when they go out and do the wrong thing,” he said.
“There is only one clear solution about what to do with a dog like that.”
Councillor Les Power said dogs and sheep don’t always mix.
“I have concerns about dogs in the area and where they might be travelling to,” he said.
“It’s an issue and dog owners need to take some responsibility.”
Cr Power said the owners of any dogs that attack sheep should stand up and be counted.
Ms Comrad said anyone with information on the Old Hamilton Road attacks should call council’s ranger on 0409 994 033.