KUANTAN: A farmer in Kampung Batu Hitam, Beserah, decided to use a German Shepherd to guard 80 heads of cattle that have been ordered by buyers for Hari Raya Aidiladha, next month.
Wan Mohd Suffian Wan Mohmad, 48, said he had to use a dog to guard the barn that housed the cattle, specifically for the 'korban' in June.
"I have to use a two-year-old German Shepherd named Custer to guard over 80 heads of cattle that will be distributed to several buyers in this district and others.
"This is after a bull worth RM5,000 was stolen last January. I have to use a trained dog to guard the cows," he said.
"I have to use a two-year-old German Shepherd named Custer to guard over 80 heads of cattle that will be distributed to several buyers in this district and others.
He said that the thieves use tranquiliser darts to capture the cattle at night, operating in groups of two to four people. He added that almost every year, farmers in Kampung Batu Hitam and several other villages nearby would lose cattle to thieves.
Wan Mohd Suffian said that he previously had three trained Rottweilers, but they went missing last year after their chains broke.
"Although I have to spend between RM1,500 and RM2,000 to buy imported breeds, I am satisfied with the ability of these dogs to guard livestock and crops.
"German Shepherds are tamer, smarter, and more obedient, compared to Rottweilers, which are more aggressive and difficult to control. Rottweilers also tend to attack strangers.
"Previously, I had several local breeds, but they were not effective," said Wan Mohd Suffian, who also owns a durian orchard covering more than 1.6ha.
He said that he plans to buy another trained German Shepherd to guard his Beserah, and Musang King durian orchards.
Even though he has to spend more on food for the animals, it is worthwhile given the tasks they perform.