The pit bull cross mastiffs killed two alpacas and injured two others about noon on Monday.

Police were forced to shoot two dogs that attacked four alpacas in Louth Park this week.

Central Hunter police duty officer Inspector Brian Tracey said the dogs were still attacking the alpacas when police arrived at the Louth Park Road property.

“The dogs were saturated in blood and guarding the alpacas which were down on the ground at the time,” he said. 

Inspector Tracey said the dogs had previously tried to attack the alpacas’ owner.

“Police, rightly so, determined that the dogs were too savage to control by any other means so they were put down using a police pistol.”

A veterinarian euthanised two alpacas at the scene.

Maitland City Council rangers confirmed the identity of the dogs’ owner by microchip.

Inspector Tracey said the dogs’ owner, a 46-year-old man, threatened officers when they went to his Louth Park home.

“It’s a timely reminder to owners that they are responsible for their dogs’ actions and behaviour and they are responsible for making sure they are secured in a backyard. They can also be charged criminally or civilly.” 

Police are investigating possible charges for the incident under the Crimes Act, for intimidation of police, and Companion Animals Act, for the actions of the dogs.

Council’s development and environment manager David Simm said council officers were often called to investigate and prosecute incidents involving attacks on livestock.

“We remind all dog owners that they are responsible for their animals’ control and conduct at all times,” Mr Simm said.