The motive for the slaughter of about 200 sheep on a North Otago farm on Friday night remained a mystery last night.
Ngapara farmer Peter Stackhouse said police had not reported any leads. He did not employ any staff on the 250ha farm and he and his wife Janine had no known enemies, he said.
Mr Stackhouse declined to comment when asked for details of how the sheep were killed. He said Detective Warren Duncan, of Oamaru, had asked him to not talk about details because it could provide anyone responsible with ''ammunition'' as police inquiries continued.
Det Duncan did not return calls last night.
Mr Stackhouse said neighbours had been supportive but had safety concerns for themselves and their stock.
''So they would certainly like to have someone caught,'' he said.
