Farmer awakes to find flock “torn apart”

A Tenterfield garlic farmer said he was devastated to discover 14 of his 34 sheep torn apart by local dogs on Tuesday morning, at his Wallangarra property.

Dick Rochford lives in Tenterfield and operates a 10 acre property on the NSW/QLD boarder.

He said he was checking on his flock, located on a smaller three acre patch, during the early hours of Tuesday morning when he discovered the horrific scene.

“Many of the sheep had been torn to pieces and were dead when I arrived, it was shocking,” he said.

“I actually saw the two dogs and they darted off.”

Mr Rochford followed the dogs, believed to be an Alsatian and a Cattle Dog, which he said had separate owners several blocks away.

“Both owners were very reasonable and have agreed the dogs may need to be put down,” Mr Rochford said.

Mr Rochford said he was also in discussions with the dog’s owners over possible compensation.

“I was about to go to market with 12 of the sheep today (Tuesday, March 12),” he said.

It was estimated the sheep and lambs could have fetched around $3000.

Two sheep were also found floating in a dam, where they drowned attempting to escape the dogs.

“I also have four lambs which are now orphans and several more sheep may need putting down as they are carrying deep flesh wounds,” he said.

Mr Rochford said he would file a police report to ensure the event was properly recorded, but was satisfied with the response from his neighbours.