A spate of dog attacks has seen the killing of sheep, goats, cats and chickens in past months.
And the fear of further attacks has caused animal owners to lock up their livestock at night, while others have given up keeping animals.
There were a number of dog attacks in Waverley during April and May when animals were killed or badly injured but things had gone quiet until an attack last week left seven sheep dead or badly injured, with some later put down by the vet.
The livestock owner, who did not wish to be named, said people now had to lock their sheep in a shed at night to keep them safe.
"It is not a good way to keep grazing animals and it means having to organise supplementary feed but at least they are alive." One owner said he no longer keeps livestock on his property after losing 28 sheep in two separate attacks. Residents have been critical of South Taranaki District Council (STDC) for their perceived inaction over the attacks but a number of dogs have been put down.