Now that we have a new Government that is promising to get us back to reality, it would be great if we could get conservation of our native species back on track. "Dreamtime economics" seems to have abandoned the protection of native plants and animals from our dogs, cats and feral goats.
When I was farming, dogs were naturally a vital part of our operation, but we were always very careful to ensure they were under our control. When dogs were not working they were clipped to the fence by a small chain and clip collar. Our livelihood could have been destroyed by Taenia ovis (sheep measles), which is spread by roaming dogs.
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All the farmers I knew in that Waverley valley in 1985 had this strict control of dogs, because, if they didn't, their lambs were rejected at the works. There were kiwi calling most nights from the surrounding bush as a bonus.
In 1999 I moved on to my 5ha lifestyle block here in Aramoho and there have had regular attacks on my sheep from roaming dogs ever since. Other lifestylers tell me it is pretty much the same all over New Zealand.