Some 21 sheep put down after vicious dog attack on Yoogali farm (WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS)

Don Barbaro went to visit his farm early on Saturday with his 11-year-old nephew, and noticed a sheep with blood on its face. 

“We went to the paddock and found six sheep dead,” Mr Barbaro said.

It got worse, as they the found another 15 sheep bitten on the face or leg who were still alive. 

Mrs Jan Barbaro said, “it’s really distressing seeing a sheep with no face and a broken leg and still alive”. 

“We called Griffith Police, because I don’t have a gun myself. They responded really well. But it was tough for the young officer who had to shoot six sheep,” Mr Barbaro said. 

The remaining mauled sheep were shot by a neighbour, and the Barbaro family are grateful for their help. 

A further six or seven lambs had been bitten and may have to be put down due to infection. 

The family were shaken up by what happened, and appealing to the community for information on who may be the dogs’ owners. 

“The dogs’ owners would have known what happened, the dogs would’ve returned home with blood all over them,” Mr Barbaro said. 

“They’ll kill again. Once they get the taste for this, they’ll come back. If the owners of the dogs have any sense of morality, they’ll get the dogs put down.”  

Mr Barbaro estimates the 21 sheep are worth at least $2,500. He doesn’t expect to get compensation, but would like to know his other sheep won’t be attacked again. 

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Mr Barbaro said it could not have been wild dogs so close to town. 

Griffith City Council say dog attacks in the region are on the rise. 

“This is a source of ongoing distress for victims of attacks. Attacks have occurred to residents, other animals and livestock and is and as well as causing untold distress and financial loss, is also frustrating as the problem can be remedied by responsible dog owners taking control of their pets,” Manager Executive Services, Shireen Donaldson, said.

Mrs Donaldson said owners are responsible.

“As a dog owner, you are liable if your dog attacks a person or another animal. Active measures need to be taken to ensure yards, fences and gates are secure at all times.” 

She said owners can face fines or imprisonment.

“Options are available under legislation for Council to declare a dog menacing or dangerous, depending on the incident. This then places restrictions around the keeping of the dog, including housing requirements, muzzle, desexing, and special signage,” Mrs Donaldson said.

“In some instances and depending on the level of severity of the attack, a dog may also be destroyed.”

Anyone with information on the dog attack at the Barbaro property should contact Griffith Police, or Don Barbaro at dbarabro@rawbrown.com.au