Rangers decline to prosecute sheep-kill dog owner

No action will be taken against a dog owner after a suspected attack on four sheep at a property in Big Grove last month after it was deemed there was insufficient evidence to progress the investigation.

Resident Matt Bishop discovered three sheep mauled to death and one fighting for its life after finding two unknown dogs on his family’s property on Tuesday, September 19.

After returning the dogs to their nearby owner, he made the discovery of the sheep attacked on the eight-acre property before calling the City of Albany rangers who attended.

Last week a City of Albany spokesman said the investigation had concluded and there was currently insufficient evidence for any action to be taken in relation to the dog attack.

“During the course of inquiries two dogs were seized and later returned to their owner,” he said.

“The City reminds dog owners that the penalty for a dog attack is a fine up to $10,000.

“Investigation under the Dog Act 1976 are criminal matters and, as such, rangers must identify evidence to place the matter ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ in order to satisfy a magistrate the offence has occurred.”