Sheep have been killed by what police suspect is a large dog or several dogs in Morven, just north of Oamaru.
Sergeant Kevin Reynolds, of Waimate, said the sheep owner and Waimate District Council’s animal control unit reported the attack on Tuesday morning.
Sgt Reynolds said 10 sheep were mauled and five of those sheep were killed in the attack in a Old Ferry Rd property.
He said two of the remaining sheep may still be put down due to their "serious" injuries.
Large animal foot prints were found in the field near the location the sheep died.
He said it was too early to tell if the dog or dogs behind the attack were domestic or wild.
There were also no details available around the financial loss to the sheep owner. So far this was the only dog attack reported this week, he said.
Farmers needed to be aware of the situation and report any stock loses which could be put down to a dog attack, he said.
"It’s not just dogs yapping at sheep... they’ve actually attacked sheep. It’s concerning."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Waimate Police on (03) 689-7272.
