A dog was shot dead, and another later put down, after they were seen attacking a sheep on a rural Dunedin property yesterday afternoon.
Police were called to a semi-rural area in Northeast Valley at 4pm, following reports two dogs had been shot, Acting Senior Sergeant Paul McLaughlan said.
A man saw a rottweiler and German shepherd attack the sheep, and want back to his house to get his firearm, a .22 rifle, he said. One dog was shot dead at the scene, and the other injured.
The owners of the dogs went looking for the missing animals and after finding them, took the injured animal to a vet. It was put down because of its injuries.
Injuries to the sheep, which survived, were consistent with a dog attack, Acting Snr Sgt McLaughlan said. The man had "acted well within his rights".
The owners, who were upset, had been informed the man had acted responsibly and would not be charged.
