Depredations in Suva From Wild Dogs

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 19, 23 January 1937, Page 12 (Supplement)

Depredations in Suva From Wild Dogs

attacks upon stock SUVA, Jan. 14. Raids by wild dogs are creating considerable nuisance in Suva. Heavy losses of fowls have been reported by householders whose best efforts to keep their poulttry securely fenced have been rendered abortive by the cunning shown by the animals in digging their way underneath stout netting. Numerjus complaints have been made, but matters were brought to a head when four Romney Marsh rams imported from New Zealand were attacked and killed. The ferocity of these pariah dogs was-indicated by the fact that the rams were large, strong animals and also, by the fact that the dogs attacked «« attendant "who attempted to drive them off. The wild dog menace, which has been steadily growing in Suva during the past two or throe years, is due largely to the habit of the Indian community of keeping stray dogs about their places. Many Indians have religious scruples against taking animal life and unwanted pups are allowed to live and take their food where they can get it. The number of ownerless dogs are also increased by Indians returning to India and leaving thett dogs behind. It is thought many of these animals live in the scrub at the back of the town. At night they go in search of food, which is more easily obtainable in the fowl runs of the residential areas. A police officer carrying a small rifle in his car has recently exterminated a number of stray dogs.