By Rachel Moore and Caroline Williams
A ram that killed an elderly couple on their property in New Zealand was shot by police after it “confronted” them too.
The pair, aged in their 80s, were found dead in a paddock by a relative who had gone to check on them on Thursday morning.
Police officers at the property where the elderly couple were killed.Credit: Stuff
It is believed the husband went to feed the ram but didn’t return. His wife was killed when she went looking for him.
Police said they were called to the property at Waitākere, west of Auckland, just before 7.30am on Thursday.
Police said they approached the ram but were also confronted by it. After undertaking a risk assessment, they shot the animal and it died at the scene.
Police on site after the incident at the rural Waitākere property.Credit: Stuff/Caroline Williams
Another party at the scene suffered a minor injury after also being attacked by the ram, they said.
A scene examination is currently under way.
“At this stage the circumstances of the death are unexplained,” a police spokesperson said. “We are liaising with family at the scene.”
The victims’ nephew and family spokesperson, Dean Burrell, said the couple’s deaths were linked to an animal.
“My aunty and her husband lived at this property. They’ve lived here for about eight years. Unfortunately they’ve both lost their lives in a tragic accident.”
He added that he was still coming to terms with it.
Burrell said the couple rented the property. They were retired hobby farmers and had sheep, cattle and chickens.
“They’re good people. They’re over 80. They don’t deserve this. Everyone is in shock as to what’s happened. They are very upset.”
Burrell, a police officer who is supporting the family through the investigation process, said he felt like he was dreaming when he found out what happened. “I just didn’t believe it.”
– Stuff
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.