Ram that killed couple shot by cops

The ram that killed an elderly couple on their property 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’d gone to check on them yesterday morning.

It’s believed the husband went to feed the ram, but didn’t return. His wife was killed when she went looking for him.

Police confirmed a ram was in the paddock when they arrived. They approached it, but were also confronted by it. On undertaking a risk assessment, it was shot and died at the scene, they said. Another party at the scene suffered a minor injury after also being attacked by the animal, they said.

Police said they were called to the property on Anzac Valley Rd in Waitākere just before 7.30am, and a scene examination was under way. “At this stage the circumstances of the death are unexplained,” a spokesperson said. “We are liaising with family at the scene.”

The victims’ nephew and family spokesperson Dean Burrell said their 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.

The circumstances of their passing was very unexpected, he said, adding 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.”

He said he felt like he was dreaming when he found out what happened. “I just didn’t believe it.”

Burrell, a front-line police officer, was supporting the family given he understood the formal investigation process. His grief was yet to sink in, he said. He and his family requested privacy while they came to terms with the loss.

Hato Hone St John said it was notified of the incident at 7.26am yesterday, and responded with two ambulances and two rapid response vehicles.