Initially the reaction was ‘Keep going, not my business’, then ‘If not me, then who?’ followed by a U-turn with a photo taken, shared on social media and the council’s ranger notified.

The council is the first point of call for any incidents involving dog attacks (the after-hours emergency number for Gunning is 0427 907 439) but few are being reported to the council ranger.

These matters are subject to the Companion Animals Act, which states: ‘A dog attack can include any incident where a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin) whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal.’ With the exception of most working dogs, all dogs should be both micro-chipped and registered.

Dog attacks on stock have continued to occur on properties near Gunning, Dalton and Collector. Owners appear to prefer to take matters into their own hands, one way or another, rather than make a formal report. This may explain why Local Government statistics on total dog attack incidents reported by the Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley and Goulburn Mulwaree Shires for the first quarter of 2016 show absolutely not one. That’s right - zip, nada, nothing!

Many of us have companion dogs, while for those in the farming community their dogs may also be valued working animals. It is an unfortunate fact that in rural villages next to working farms with stock, especially sheep, our much-loved pets can revert to pack behaviour if loose. If sheep run, dogs chase: it’s their natural predisposition. Even the smallest or most affectionate of pet dogs can harass, maul or even kill sheep.

Not only is this an economic loss, but finding a hideously mauled animal and having to put it out of its misery is amongst the most distressing of tasks a farmer faces. If those who enjoy our village lifestyle and those who farm stock are to continue to rub along in harmony, we must all play our part in ensuring our companion animals are secured at home or under control when out.

Reported dog attacks for 2011/12 show 75 per cent occur when dogs are not under control. Official action results in 43 per cent of those dogs being destroyed.

Gunning continues to attract visitors with our facilities and services much appreciated. One couple from Bonnells Bay left a note with a donation that read, in part, ‘Thank you for a beautiful free stay, clean amenities and hot showers – so rare! As a big rig we rely on the kindness of town organisations like yours for safe stays.’

Another pair of happy campers will recommend a visit by their caravanning group to Gunning, perhaps to coincide with one of our big events, such as the 2017 Show on February 19 or the fireworks next September.

The role that visitors play in the village economy and their impact on local residents could be a topic for the new Gunning District Association after its inaugural AGM on October 12 at the Foley Centre at 7pm.