Myths About Dogs

Myth - Most dogs are physically or behaviourally incapable of killing livestock

Fact - All breeds and sizes of dogs, from Silky Terriers to Great Danes have been caught attacking livestock. Dogs as young as 3 months of age and as old as 12 years, unsterilised and sterilised dogs of both sexes, dogs with three legs, no teeth and with the best pedigree, have been involved.

Myth - Packs of wild or stray dogs are responsible.

Fact - Well-fed pets from small holdings or suburban homes near the attack site are usually responsible. A dog may attack on its own, with another dog from the same household or in the company of one or two dogs it associates with.

Myth - Only savage dogs kill livestock

Fact - Most dogs involved are friendly and approachable and do not look or behave like killers when interacting with people. This is why 90% of dog owners find it difficult to accept that their pets have killed livestock. Dogs behave very differently when on their own, away from home with other dogs or when attacking livestock

Myth - Only rogue dogs kill livestock

Fact - Chasing and attacking livestock is a normal dog behaviour. All dogs can chase, track and retrieve. They can also conclude these hunting behaviours by grabbing, biting and killing

Myth - A dog won't attack other peoples livestock if it doesn't attack its owner's livestock

Fact - Some livestock owners allow their dogs to play with or chase their own livestock. This enables the dog to gain the skills needed to attack livestock and gives it the opportunity to practice. Many of these dogs have been shot later for killing their owner's livestock, and many more have gone to other properties to attack and kill

Myth - Dogs will be covered in blood after an attack

Fact - Few dogs have blood on them. Whether they do or not will depend on how the livestock was killed, whether the carcass was fed on, and what the dog did afterwards

Myth - Dogs will continue to kill because they have a taste for blood as a result of previous attacks

Fact - Most dogs have been fed on meat from an early age and have already tasted blood. Dogs find chasing non-descript moving objects rewarding and this is why they are more likely to return to the scene of an attack

Myth - Dogs are killing for sport or fun

Fact - Dogs are having fun, but they don't kill for fun. Several animals may be killed or mauled, but very little will appear to have been eaten. Unless disturbed, dogs will take pieces off several carcasses. Together these will make a sizeable meal for the one or two dogs usually involved

Myth - Attacks on livestock only happen during the night

Fact - Dogs will attack livestock at any time of the day or night if they are given the opportunity. Daytime attacks are especially common in semi-rural areas

Myth - A trained dog will not attack livestock

Fact - Professional trainers will not give this guarantee if the dog is not under the control of its owner. Dogs will also chase and attack wildlife. Uncontrolled dogs and cats have destroyed many of the native animals in areas close to towns and cities. Dog owners must ensure that their dogs are under control at all times in areas where wildlife is present