Lambing season is upon us in the Hurunui district, and it’s up to everyone to keep them safe.
Hurunui District Council Animal Management has recently received complaints relating to roaming dogs in the Waiau township, and there have been reported attacks on sheep.
This is a good reminder to everyone of the importance of making sure your property is secure and your dog cannot escape.
Council's Animal Management Officer Darrin Low said dog owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs are confined within their own property in such a manner that it cannot freely leave the property, and that they are under control at all times when in public.
“Not only can roaming dogs cause distress and anxiety to people, even if they are deemed ‘safe,’ during this time of year the community must take into consideration that lambs are on the ground. It is the dog owners’ responsibility to keep young stock safe.”
Low said Dog Control laws were created to balance the recreational needs of dogs and their owners with the appropriate controls to minimise the potential for harm, distress or nuisance that may be caused by dogs.
“Dog owners should be aware that land owners may seize or destroy a dog found roaming among stock, in order to protect that stock.”
The Council is taking a strong stand on dog control matters.
