WA farm loses up to 80 sheep to dog attacks over five months
A Porongurup farmer lost up to 80 sheep in suspected dog attacks over five months.
Brad Cluett runs sheep on his Porongurup farm, 385 kilometres south-east of Perth. Over five months, up to 80 of his animals have been killed in what he believes are domestic dog attacks.
The worst attack occurred in May, leaving 40 lambs and 10 ewes dead. Victims show bite wounds to the head and face; some bled to death.
The stress has spooked the flock: ewes have abandoned lambs, and pregnant animals have miscarried. Neighbouring farms also reported attacks, an emu and a young alpaca were injured.
Cluett spotted a large, reddish-tan dog nearby but could not catch it. The Shire of Plantagenet is investigating and hopes to prosecute the dog's owner.
Why it mattersFarmers face both financial loss and stress managing ongoing attacks on livestock in mixed rural-urban areas.
AustraliaSheep and mixed livestock farmers in Western Australia are increasingly vulnerable to domestic dog attacks near towns and regional properties.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 h ago
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