Narrandera Shire Council is urging all dog owners to take immediate steps to properly contain their animals following several recent incidents of roaming dogs attacking livestock on neighbouring farms.
A number of dogs have escaped from residential and rural properties and wandered onto farmland, resulting in sheep and other livestock being killed or seriously injured. These attacks cause significant distress and financial loss for farmers and can also have serious legal and financial consequences for dog owners.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998, farmers are legally entitled to use any means necessary to stop or prevent dogs that are attacking or harassing livestock. In addition, farmers may take civil action against the dog's owner to recover the costs of livestock loss and property damage.
Council also has the authority to issue substantial fines to owners of dogs found roaming or attacking livestock.
"Dog owners must take responsibility for ensuring their animals are securely confined at all times," said Council's Compliance Officer, Shannon Rivero.
"It only takes a moment for a dog to escape and cause devastating harm to livestock, and that can result in serious financial and legal repercussions for the owner."
Council is urging all dog owners to:
- Regularly check fencing and gates to ensure they are secure.
- Never allow dogs to roam unsupervised.
- Ensure dogs are registered, microchipped, and easily identifiable.
- Provide adequate exercise and enrichment to prevent boredom-related escape behaviour.
