Five more sheep have died in the Wanaka area as a result of attacks by dogs.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday night on a 2ha farmlet in Studholme Rd.
One sheep was killed in the attack and owner Andrew Penniket said yesterday he had to kill the other four because they were so "badly mangled".
He said the attack was "really savage" and, because of the amount of wool on the sheep, believed a large dog must have been responsible. All five sheep had been reared as pets and the family regarded them as "close friends".
Last month, 18 sheep on one property at Albert Town died as the result of two separate attacks by dogs. Senior Constable Mike Johnston, of Wanaka, said it was "not inconceivable" the same dog or dogs were responsible, even though the distance between the attacks was about 5km.
He reminded owners of the need to keep their dogs under control, that dogs caught attacking sheep could be shot and that the dog's owner could be liable for compensation.
Owners should also check their dog's teeth for pieces of wool, he said.
