Carterton mayor's dogs shot

Garry McPhee. Photo / Supplied

Two dogs belonging to former Carterton mayor Garry McPhee have been shot dead after a farmer caught them mauling his sheep.

Brian and Doug, black and golden labradors, were suspected of killing six lambs and mauling four others on a neighbouring farm, the Wairarapa Times-Age reported.

Farmer Jim McWilliam said he shot the dogs after he found them attacking a sheep in the early morning.

"They were caught red-handed. There was no doubt about it," he said.

Mr McPhee, who did not stand for mayoral re-election last year and is now a councillor for the Greater Wellington Regional Council, said Brian the black labrador used to sleep in his mayoral office and was easy-going.

He suspected Brian was led astray by Doug, who was known to be unruly.

Mr McPhee said his neighbour, who did not know the dogs were his, was "very apologetic" when he turned up to tell him the news they had been shot.

"I feel sorry for him because he was only looking after his property which I completely understand. It was just one of those unfortunate things," he said.

Mr McPhee has a new puppy because he missed having dogs around.

- NZPA