THE threat of another vicious dog attack is dampening Easter spirits in Nyah West.
Local farmer Phillip Maher woke up last Friday morning to a devastating sight — four ewes dead and a further 20 injured.
The condition of the injured livestock did not improve and Mr Maher has since shot all 20.
Fresh dog tracks have been seen since the incident.
“All the neighbours are on edge and they’re checking all the time too,” Mr Maher said. “Everyone’s wasting a lot of time.”
The Maher’s face a substantial loss of revenue as the loss of livestock isn’t covered by insurance and all the ewes were pregnant.
“Its not just the cost of the ewes, but the cost of the lambs as well,” Amanda Maher said.
Mr Maher has implemented a number of preventative precautions, including dog traps.
“I’m just keeping up surveillance,” he said.
“I’ve got a few of those wildlife cameras to try and get a photo.”
The Maher’s are even considering an expensive fence monitoring system that uses a smartphone app to alert farmers of problems.
“All the neighbours are on edge and they’re checking all the time too. Everyone’s wasting a lot of time.”
Council has warned negligent dog owners that they can be fined up to $6000.
“Depending on the severity of an attack, dogs may also be placed onto the dangerous dogs register, which dictates how the dog must be housed, and in some cases the dog may be put down,” said Director of Development and Planning Brett Luxford.
Ms Maher believes there is a simple solution.
“Just make sure your dog is secured,” she said.
If you have any information regarding dog attacks please contact the Regulatory Services Department on 5036 2346.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Guardian (April 2).
