Two escaped dogs attacked a flock of sheep at Baynton last week, killing two and maiming 33 that later had to be euthanised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Farmer Daniel McKenna discovered the gruesome scene on his property last Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It was like a battle scene,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“There were sheep lying down kicking in the air everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The dogs had crushed their spines at the back of the neck or damaged their vertebrae so they couldn’t stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Six wedge-tailed eagles were circling them so I got the rifle and we had to start putting the ewes down straight away.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within his legal rights, Mr McKenna found and shot the two dogs, both of which were hunting breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s irresponsible to bring this breed of dog up to the country,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If you own these kind of dogs you’re taking a big risk because their natural instinct is to kill and the law is quite clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s the responsibility of the owner to contain the dog to their property.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr McKenna euthanised the most badly injured ewes and sought veterinary help to begin treating the wounds of a further 36 of his dohne merino weaner ewes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s the first generation of pure-bred dohnes that I had,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s a substantial amount worth of sheep.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Macedon Ranges Shire Council rangers were able to identify the owners of the dogs from their microchip details, and returned the deceased dogs to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The owners of the dogs are assisting council with enquiries,” said Rebecca Stockfeld, council’s director of planning and environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Council is maintaining communication with the sheep owner to render assistance as required.”
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, a dog found at large outside the premises of the owner between sunrise and sunset can carry a penalty up to $1090.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog attacks causing death or serious injury to an animal can carry a penalty up to $7270.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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