Rustling prompts security boost

Security is being beefed up at Feilding's pound because stock keep getting rustled.

At a strategic planning and policy meeting this week Manawatu District Councillors were told about people stealing stock, breaking in and vandalising the facility.

The pound is for dogs, stray cattle and sheep.

Council support services group manager Shayne Harris said the pound had problems with vandals in the past and further security was required.

"We don't know who has been taking sheep or vandalising the place, but we're going to ... try to identify the people who are doing it," Mr Harris said.

Options for more security included cameras and better fencing.

The council's principal environmental officer, Colin Perrin, said that in the past year four calves and one sheep had been taken from the pound.

"Someone must have had big vehicles to move the animals," he said.

"We reported the instances to the police, but we have had no leads."

Mr Harris said the animals kept at the pound were in custody until retrieved by their owners, and if they were not claimed the council decided what should be done with them.

Stock was usually auctioned.

"The pound is quite a secure building for the dogs and so is the yard for cattle and sheep, but we are slowly upgrading," he said.

The council has budgeted $20,000 for the security upgrade.

However, the actual amount needed will depend on which security option the council chooses.

Since the beginning of July, the council has impounded 92 dogs and a sheep.

Mr Perrin said no animals had been stolen since July.

- © Fairfax NZ News