After a considerable response to the article, ‘Dog shootings spark calls for greater protections’, opinion has been split.

A slight majority of voters, 53 per cent, agree farmers should have to show proof the dog is aggressive before shooting it.

However, a strong chorus of residents backed the farmer, and their right to kill an animal without proving it had been aggressive towards stock.

“As a long term resident of Nowra Hill I fully support the farmer,” Dave Perry said via Facebook.

“Personally we have lost in excess of 50 sheep, and too many chooks to mention during our time living here.

“Uncontrolled dogs have been and are an ongoing problem.”

John Dolan from Nowra was among a number of punters who said 

“Most farmers do not like shooting animals, particularly dogs as they usually have their own,” he said.

“They will not make the decision lightly.”