Warning: This article contains details which may disturb some people
One of the two dogs believed to be responsible for killing more than 30 sheep in Hawke's Bay has been caught.
Six animals were attacked in the township of Bridge Pa, near Hastings, during the weekend, and a further 28 were found dead on two other properties on Monday morning.
Resident Sue Dixon, who had six sheep on her land attacked, said residents are on high alert - with the other dog still on the loose.
She told Newshub she's now scared to go out with her animals alone.
"I've got two Jack Russell's here, and I take them walking a few times a day so we did our morning walk, went through the gate and they found one sheep.
"My initial thought was it had died of old age, and perhaps a hawk had got at it with all the wool that had been pulled out.
"Then I glanced to my left and there were the rest of them, all dead."
Dixon said she could tell the attack had been committed by dogs.
"The damage was horrific," she told Newshub.
"Whoever owns these dogs - and obviously I don't know what area they're from, those dogs would have been covered in blood.
"There's no way those owners wouldn't know that they've been up to something overnight."
The Hastings District Council says it's still looking for a black labrador/bull terrier cross.
"At least seven sheep were killed on Valentine Rd and then it appears the dogs moved to Equestrian Ln where at least 34 sheep were killed, with several more badly injured," council regulatory solutions manager John Payne said.
He told Newshub the owner of the dog already caught is unknown as it was unregistered.
"In a very short time a pet dog can cause thousands of dollars of damage and significant inhumane suffering.
"You cannot breed this killing instinct out of the species. The owner of a dog that attacks stock is liable to the damage they cause, a fine of up to $3000 and the dog can be destroyed on the spot.
"Please ensure your dog is kept under proper control at all times."
Newshub.
