Dead stock massacred

By Jessica Howard

A dog attack in Coimadai has left seven alpacas dead.
Resident Mark Peirce said the four adults and three six-month-old juniors were mauled to death on his property last month.
The alpacas were part of a breeding program and had only been purchased four-years ago.
Mr Peirce said he went to check on the animals on the morning of August 2 and found them scattered across two paddocks.
“It looked as if the dog had chased them around the paddocks, one of the fences was smashed in, which I assume was a result of the alpacas running away in a panic.
“Their faces were completely mauled. It was really distressing”.
Mr Peirce said the animals were like pets, with each alpaca given their own name.
“It really is like losing part of the family and it throws our breeding program right out the window. We don’t know if we should just give up”.
Mr Peirce said the alpacas were valued at around $700-$800 each.
Following the incident, a Bull Arab type dog was allegedly sighted on the property, however it is unknown if it was linked to the attack.
Moorabool Shire Council community safety officer, Shannon Luke said council officers attended the property and sent letters to 22 properties within the vicinity, in an effort to locate the offending dog and to remind property owners of their responsibilities.
“Dog owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their dogs are not permitted to wander, create a nuisance or attack,” he said.
“Dog owners can face significant infringements and court action if their dogs are found to be unregistered, not securely confined or involved in an attack. Wandering dogs or dog attacks should be reported to Council.”
If you have any information on the alpaca attack, or would like to report a wandering dog, contact Moorabool Shire Council on 5366 7100.