The NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team is asking dog owners to take responsibility for their pets or face on the spot fines, after a spate of dog attacks on sheep and lambs around the state.
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An owner of any dog which rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal, can be fined $1320 on the spot, along with other possible fines, and face having their dog seized.
Dogs may also be lawfully destroyed in some instances by farmers if they are actively attacking livestock.
The Rural Crime Prevention Team said farmers are already going through tough times with the drought, without needing the further impact of stock losses due to these dog attacks.
"It can be heartbreaking for our farmers to face heavy stock losses, as well as having to euthanise further stock due to severe injury, as a result of dog attacks which can often decimate a significant portion of a flock in one night," an online statement read.
"Numerous attacks have been reported to the NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team and other Government agencies.
"We are currently working together to come up with strategies to catch these dogs and hold owners responsible."