West Auckland, New Zealand – An animal behaviorist is cautioning the public to exercise caution during the breeding season following a disturbing incident involving a ram and a deceased elderly couple in West Auckland yesterday. The retired couple in their 80s were tragically discovered in a paddock at their rural property on Anzac Valley Rd in Waitākere.
Authorities confirmed that the ram found in the paddock had been attacking people and was subsequently shot after confronting officers and injuring another individual. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation to determine what transpired.
Dr. Elsa Flint from Animals with Attitude highlighted the potential dangers posed by rams, citing instances where individuals have been fatally injured by these animals due to blunt force trauma. She emphasized that rams can exhibit rapid and violent behavior, especially during the breeding season when they become more reactive and territorial.
Flint stressed the importance of recognizing aggressive behavior in rams, such as hypervigilance and approaching with intent, advising people to avoid entering paddocks with active rams. She shared a cautionary tale of a shearer who suffered a spinal injury after being charged by a ram, underscoring the need for vigilance around these animals.
Simon Cameron, a spokesman for Federated Farmers, acknowledged that fatalities involving farm animals are uncommon but noted that mating season can heighten aggression in animals. He urged farmers to exercise caution during this period to prevent potential incidents.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with interacting with rams and underscores the importance of awareness and precaution when dealing with these animals, particularly during the breeding season. As investigations into the tragic event continue, experts and authorities are emphasizing the need for public awareness and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.