A trio of llama bodyguards has been drafted in to protect an Auckland flock after roaming dogs killed 180 sheep in just two nights.
Auckland council southern region operations manager Viv Young told 1News that around 180 sheep from Puhinui reserve in Wiri, south Auckland were killed by dogs in a "major attack" across two nights last year.
"We had 12 months of probably no attacks, and then out of the blue we had several attacks," he explained.
The attacks were a financial hit for the council — with each lamb priced at around $140 — and a devastating loss for the community.
In response, three llamas from Rotorua were introduced to the flock after another council farm reported success using them as guard animals.
Young said the llamas have worked so far, taking on a protective role in the farm.
Three llamas from Rotorua were introduced to the flock after another council farm reported success using them as guard animals. (Source: 1News)
"[If] anyone strange walks in, strange dogs, they just walk straight up. The [llamas] don't run, whereas sheep will run.
"The dogs that are coming here, they're not hungry, they're just here for the game and the sport."
He said Auckland Council was warned about a roaming dog problem when it took over the reserve six years ago.
Senior animal management officer Rob Peterson said they had patrol teams looking for the dogs after the incident last year.
"We saturated Manurewa and this area [Puhinui] with animal management officers. I think there were up to 8 to 10 teams and we were constantly patrolling looking for roaming dogs - which we found," he said.
"Whether we found the ones that were involved in this incident is hard to say."
Young described finding the aftermath of attacks as "heartbreaking".
"You just have to walk the paddock, you have to euthanise what's maimed, and then you have to dispose of them."
Despite success so far with the llama guards, Young said he was still worried.
"You turn up in the morning with anxiety, because you think, you know, what are we going to find, because that's previously how it rolls"
"The dogs are coming from the streets. If only people would put just their dogs away at night. How hard is it?"
SHARE ME