Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets on a leash after reports of baby lambs being mauled on the Port Hills area above Christchurch.
With lambing season underway, city council staff have been alerted to "a number of incidents" where unrestrained dogs have chased and mauled lambs, particularly in the Scarborough, Godley Head Reserves and Rapaki regions of the Port Hills.
"Lambing season finishes around October, and until then it's important that we keep our dogs leashed and under control at all times if we're taking them into the Port Hills for a walk," said animal control team leader Mark Vincent.
Other areas with vulnerable stock include Yaldhurst and Belfast.
Animal control officers will be carrying out random visits to enforce the requirements, Mr Vincent said.
