Tasmanian farmers say they are distressed at more reports today of new-born lambs being viciously attacked in the southern highlands of the state near Oatlands, this time by dogs.
Tasmania Police said that last weekend a dog attacked lambs on a farm off York Plans Road, the same area where more than 50 lambs were killed earlier in the month, apparently bludgeoned to death. A dog also attacked seven lambs and killed some of them at Parattah; and some chickens in Oatlands.
“This is just horrendous,” Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said today.
“We don’t know if there is a connection in all of this, but we would like it fully investigated.
“Dog owners are responsible for their pets. If people allow their dogs to roam at large, then they will be held responsible for the damage, injury and death they cause. They need to understand the devastating effects these attacks have on farmers and their families who have to deal with the aftermath.
“We encourage the police to bring the full force of the law down on those responsible and we would urge the courts to follow through with stiffer penalties as well,” she said. “Perhaps it is time that, as part of the penalties, those responsible are forced to come face to face with the distress and damage their actions have caused.”
Jan Davis TFGA Chief Executive http://www.tfga.com.au/
