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The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has renewed its call for responsible dog ownership following continued reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring and killing livestock across the Territory.
Veterinary Officer Dr. Nadya George said sheep, goats and other animals have suffered bite wounds, fractures, shock and infections. Livestock may also be injured while attempting to escape, separated from their young or subjected to severe stress, with young and pregnant animals particularly vulnerable.
Some attacks involve owned dogs that have escaped or are allowed to roam, while ownership in other cases cannot be immediately established.
“A dog that keeps escaping or roams through a community should not be dismissed as harmless. An uncontrolled dog can cause extensive injury and loss within a very short period,” George cautioned.
The Department said a single attack can erase years of investment. Losing a breeding animal affects a farmer’s existing herd, future offspring, production and income.
The Dogs (Prevention of Injury to Persons, Livestock and Poultry) Act, 2001 requires dogs to be registered and kept under proper control.
Owners must securely confine dogs on their property, use a leash when away from home and ensure registration and identification tags are current. They should also regularly inspect fences, gates, kennels, collars and restraints, and act immediately if a dog repeatedly escapes.
Registration also helps the Department identify roaming dogs and their owners following an attack.
The Department warned that preventable livestock losses undermine local food production and food security. Repeated attacks could also discourage established farmers from investing and deter others from entering the sector.
Dog owners are being urged to register and secure their animals and comply with laws protecting people, livestock and poultry.
Veterinary Officer Dr. Nadya George said sheep, goats and other animals have suffered bite wounds, fractures, shock and infections. Livestock may also be injured while attempting to escape, separated from their young or subjected to severe stress, with young and pregnant animals particularly vulnerable.
Some attacks involve owned dogs that have escaped or are allowed to roam, while ownership in other cases cannot be immediately established.
“A dog that keeps escaping or roams through a community should not be dismissed as harmless. An uncontrolled dog can cause extensive injury and loss within a very short period,” George cautioned.
The Department said a single attack can erase years of investment. Losing a breeding animal affects a farmer’s existing herd, future offspring, production and income.
The Dogs (Prevention of Injury to Persons, Livestock and Poultry) Act, 2001 requires dogs to be registered and kept under proper control.
Owners must securely confine dogs on their property, use a leash when away from home and ensure registration and identification tags are current. They should also regularly inspect fences, gates, kennels, collars and restraints, and act immediately if a dog repeatedly escapes.
Registration also helps the Department identify roaming dogs and their owners following an attack.
The Department warned that preventable livestock losses undermine local food production and food security. Repeated attacks could also discourage established farmers from investing and deter others from entering the sector.
Dog owners are being urged to register and secure their animals and comply with laws protecting people, livestock and poultry.
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