In the past four months, 11 of his cattle have been mauled by domestic dogs. Nine were killed outright and another two euthanased due to their horrendous injuries.

The attacks left nine orphaned calves that have to be hand fed to keep them alive.

Mr Davis, 53, said the problem existed largely because he leased the 200ha property on Yellow Rock Rd but did not live on site.

This had left his 140 breeders, 100 calves and three bulls exposed to people intent on doing them harm, he said.

Mr Davis said there had been instances of people using the cattle as target practice with rifles and bow and arrows.

"We have a combined problem with people on foot and on trail bikes shooting around the cattle, spooking them and sending them into the fences," he said.

Mr Davis said the police drug squad were called to deal with marijuana growing on the site.

His greatest problem, however, was people allowing their dogs to chase the cattle.

"It doesn't matter how well trained a dog is, if they get the scent of an animal and they get chasing it, not many people can stop them from going on a hunt. Once a dog gets the taste of blood, they don't lose it ... it's a very unpleasant death for these animals."

Mr Davis said he had spoken to dog owners, advising them they were trespassing.

"I've told them that in the future if I see the dogs they will be shot. This has had a good effect," he said.

Mr Davis said his business was running at a loss, taking into account the $25,000 in lost cattle and the ongoing cost of fence repairs.

"We've been fighting a drought, then caterpillars ate grass back to the roots six weeks ago.

"It's pretty tough already. You don't need these sorts of things to worry about," he said.

Mr Davis said police had stepped up patrols of the area. Anyone with information should contact Lake Illawarra police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.