The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team is reminding local dog owners of their responsibilities if their dog attacks livestock and to educate themselves on their roles and responsibilities as a dog owner.
"Did you know that the owner of any dog that rushes at, attacks, harrasses or chases any person or animal can be fined on the spot and face having their dog seized?" a spokesperson asked.
"The dog may also be lawfully destroyed if they are actively attacking livestock."
Police are warning local dog owners to ensure their dogs are under control and secured at night.
"Stock losses due to dog attacks are heartbreaking both for the attacked animals and the livestock owners who are then faced with euthanising injured stock and disposing of them," police said.
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"Ensure control of your dogs when out and about, and secure them at night.
"It is up to dog owners to ensure that their dogs are not put in a position where they can cause injury or death to livestock."
Police are encouraging the public to report dog attacks to or if they have evidence that a dog is dangerous or menancing to Hilltops Council.
If the attack happens outside local council hours then the attack can be reported to police.
Police officers are also authorised officers under the Companion Animals Act 1998, and have a wide range of powers to deal with owners of attacking dogs, including seizing dogs that have attacked.
According to data from the Office of Local Government there were seven dog attacks reported by Hilltops Council in the period between October 1 2024 and December 31 2024 with four people involved in the seven attacks and three animals attacked.
In the annual data for 2023/2024 on the Office of Local Government website Hilltops Council had 217 dogs impounded on July 1, 2023 with 210 leaving the pound and seven at the facility at the end of the year.
64 of the dogs were released to an organisation or rehomed, 77 were released to their owners, 38 sold and one ethuanised due to illness/disease or injury.
Seven of the dogs were euthanised due to be dangerous/restricted/other.
To contact the Hilltops Council rangers please call 1300 445 586 between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays.
If an attack occurs outside of these hours please contact local police.
