KEY POINTS:
A dog has attacked a flock of sheep, killing and maiming a dozen, in a paddock in rural Havelock North.
Three sheep who were mauled but survived the bloodied frenzy had to be destroyed, taking the total killed to nine.
Two more ewes were battling on yesterday but hopes for their survival were slim. Only one sheep was unscathed.
Police were not sure whether one or more dogs attacked the sheep at a semi-rural property on Kopanga Rd overnight on Saturday.
Tom Foot owned the flock for breeding and grazed them on a neighbour's paddock.
"Most of them were pet ewes and a bit special," he said.
Mr Foot received a phone call from his neighbour, Brian James, telling him about the attack and was shocked at the bloody scene.
"It seems the dog or dogs just went on a killing spree for the fun of it - it was devastating," he said.
"It wasn't a pretty sight."
Mr Foot said he did not hold out much hope for the two sick ewes.
He hoped the dog or dogs would be found and destroyed as a lot of people were uneasy there could be a repeat of the slaughter.
Mr James said he and his wife fed the sheep apples every morning and they were all tame.
"My wife has everyone named - it has upset her more than anyone."
Police believed the dog could have been a family pet who escaped and roamed on Saturday night.
- NZPA
