Many people are worried because some, although not all, of the animals can be quite ferocious and in the wrong circumstances may result in cause for panic.

It was suggested at the last meeting of the Lightning Ridge Precinct Committee that the ranger might conduct an experiment to see whether more dogs are caught early in the morning and in the evening than during normal operating hours.

The committee moved a motion to send a letter to the Walgett Shire Council in regard to this matter.

The problem regarding dogs roaming free on the streets is not localised to Lightning Ridge and nearby properties.

Residents from Angledool have been struggling with the issue for some time and recently, in an event that tipped the scales, three dogs severely attacked another which subsequently had to be euthanased.

Kathleen Cramer was saddened over the loss of her dog and called police and advised council of the event.

“These dogs had chased an eight-year-old child the day before and the grandmother had to fight them off,” said Mrs Cramer.

“An old man was chased on a bike by the dogs and a lady had stopped walking because them.

“They had even been known to pull down calves.”

A petition was started on Saturday June 13 to ensure these dangerous and menacing dogs were taken away and by the time the weekend was up the majority of the Angledool community had signed.

“The Goodooga postman was bitten by the dogs and he also signed the petition,” said Mrs. Cramer.

The Brewarrina Council told Mrs Cramer that they had a meeting to declare the dogs vicious and would send the owner guidelines that would have to be in place within 14 days but ensured her that those dogs would not be returning. The pound took them away on Monday June 15.

The streets within each town are not the only place plagued with this problem.

Earlier in the month, on June 4, the Lightning Ridge police reported that dogs had been attacking cattle at Wyoming and Gurson properties.