In the attack, five of the sheep were in lamb, and were attacked in the early hours of Monday at a property in Moonbi.

Police said eight sheep were being kept in a paddock in William Street, but one was not seriously injured.

Local officers are urging residents to keep a lookout for stray dogs and check on their stock regularly.

“If anyone has information as to straying dogs or may have seen or heard anything please contact the Kootingal Police on 6760 3244 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” an Oxley spokesperson said.