I would like to commend former dog control officer Pat Collins for his “spot on” comments (August 17 letter).
I have recently had 10 heavy-in-lamb twinning ewes mauled to death or injured so badly they had to be put down. Muzzles and ears ripped off, stomachs exposed and huge bite marks on their legs. This meant having to dispose of those killed and trying to treat those that could survive.
The worst thought is that this carnage could happen again at any time, as the dog has not been caught.
It beggars belief that the council let the dog that ripped Mr Bryson’s sheep go back to the owner after paying a fine to them (not Mr Bryson!) Subsequently the dog went on to kill again.
At a recent meeting between farmers and council staff it was pointed out that the council had the power to apply for a court order to have that dog put down. The council were either unaware of this power or chose not to use it. Either way, not good enough.
A large part of the annual dog fees comes from the rural sector, so we expect better policing and for the council to use all means available to enable this to happen.
Fraser Moore, Whatatutu
