A husky of unknown origin that has been killing sheep in Suðurnes has finally been caught, and is now in custody.
Vísir reports that a sheep farmer in the small Suðurnes community of Sandgerði (population 1,683) had been plagued by a previously unknown animal attacking his sheep. Yesterday, however, the farmer announced to police that the culprit had been apprehended: a husky.
It came to light that the husky in question is suspected of killing at least three sheep that authorities know about. As is done in these situations, the animal was taken to the Suðurnes Health Supervisory, which oversees the registration of pets in the area.
Initial investigations revealed that the husky is unregistered, and no one has yet come to claim the animal, either.
In the meantime, the dialogue over this case among Icelanders is heated. This widely-circulated story has sparked again the age-old debate of nature versus nurture when it comes to dogs – in particular, whether it is in the nature of dogs to hunt, or whether a dog is only as good – or as cruel – as its owner.
Either way, it is unclear for how long the unregistered husky was fending for itself in the wild, and area sheep may have been its only recourse in order to survive.
Authorities have told reporters that investigations will continue.
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