Hobby farmer Craig Cahoon has now had his sheep killed or seriously injured on four separate occasions over the past year.

The identity of the culprit dog was not conclusively proven on several of those occasions.

A month ago, another resident had one animal killed and three mauled. The resident confirmed the attack but declined to speak on the record until their case had been processed.

The dog’s owner was given 30 days to remove the animal from their property.

However, Mr Cahoon said only days later, the dog he believed to be the same animal struck his property, killing three of his purebred dorpers and a lamb.

“Even though I love them all, luckily it wasn’t the two we’ve hand-reared from orphans,” Mr Cahoon said.

“What am I supposed to do, go and buy another six and have them killed as well? It’s like putting them to the gallows.”

He said the various dog attacks over the past year had cost him about a dozen sheep, worth about $4000.

Hepburn Shire Council general manager infrastructure Bruce Lucas said he was unable to discuss specific cases, however he said council would continue to work with owners to achieve compliance with local laws and responsible pet ownership.

He also said council was unaware of the subsequent attack after commencing enforcement actions, and could require quicker action than the 30 days.

“Council provides reasonable notice for an owner to comply with its directives on a case-by-case basis.

“In the case of an attack on livestock, council takes enforcement action as quickly as possible where the dogs and their owners can be identified and compliance with council directives is required much sooner than 30 days.”