Roaming dogs kill dozens of lambs at Wairarapa station
Tuesday 29 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated 
Two wandering dogs caused significant damage at Glenburn Station in rural Wairarapa. The incident left 43 lambs dead, four others requiring euthanasia, and one missing. Station manager Lachie McFadzean highlighted the event as a reminder of the need for responsible dog ownership.
Key facts
4 facts
- 43 lambs died, 4 were euthanised, and 1 went missing at Glenburn Station
- The incident occurred in June in rural Wairarapa
- The defendant was found guilty under the Dog Control Act 1996
- The owner must pay $5,000 for financial losses and $2,000 for emotional harm
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A dog owner has been found guilty of charges under the Dog Control Act 1996 following an incident in June where two wandering dogs killed several lambs. The dogs, which belonged to a neighbouring property, had been missing for approximately three days before being shot on Glenburn Station in rural Wairarapa.
The attack resulted in 43 dead lambs, four others being euthanised due to injuries, and one lamb going missing. Station manager Lachie McFadzean noted that lambs were chased into gullies and drowned in mud.
The court ordered the defendant to pay Glenburn Station $5,000 for financial losses and $2,000 for emotional harm. McFadzean stated the survivors of the 120-lamb flock were no longer fit for sale to store and would likely have a downgraded end value.
Carterton District Council is now considering the maximum statutory disqualification period for the owner. Planning and regulatory services manager Solitaire Robertson said early reporting of roaming dogs helps councils prevent serious incidents.
Compiled from reports by The Post, NZ Herald and 1News.