At least 20 alpacas and sheep were killed overnight Saturday, with carcasses found strewn across four separate properties.

Hobby farmer John Binns lost seven alpacas, including six pregnant females and one sire.

He was first alerted to the incident by a neighbour, who noticed some of the alpacas on the ground in one of the paddocks.

It was not long after that Mr Binns and his neighbours realised the extent of the bloodshed. 

Two of the pregnant females on Mr Binns’ farm were still alive and had to be euthanised. The others died from their injuries. 

Having lived on the property for 35 years and owned the alpacas for four years, Mr Binns said his animals had never been attacked before.

“We’ve had no problem, no problem at all before,” he said.

“I’m just very surprised and very much alarmed, there would have to have been at least two dogs, if not more to pull the animals down.”

Although Mr Binns was not using the animals for commercial purposes, each female alpaca cost $2000 and the male cost $3000 – leaving him at least $15,000 out of pocket.

“It’s more the blow of losing the animals, particularly in this manner,” he said.

“This has got to be known to the public … if they have stock around here, they need to be wary of it.”

Mr Binns reported the matter to Tasmania Police, who contacted the City of Launceston’s animal regulations officers.

“The council is reminding dog owners across Launceston to exercise their responsibilities as pet owners,” the council said.

“We ask property owners with livestock in St Leonards to remain vigilant and to report roaming dogs to the council.”

Information can also be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A person whose dog attacks an animal may be charged with an offence under the Dog Control Act 2000.