The Shire of Plantagenet is appealing for information about a dog suspected of six attacks on sheep in the last six months.

Several newborn lambs on farms in the area north of the Porongurup Ranges between Surrey Downs Road and Chester Pass Road, have been attacked and killed according to the shire.

Shire president Len Handasyde said the attacks started in April and had occurred sporadically since then.

The dog in question is thought to be large and brown but also timid and elusive.

Cr Handasyde said attacks by dogs on sheep are rare but have happened before.

“You can have nothing for years and then something changes; someone new moves in maybe,” he said.

“People should know there are serious penalties for this.

“It is unlikely to have been malicious, but people sometimes have dogs for protection, they don’t keep them contained and suddenly they are loose.

“I suspect it’s something along those lines, but it just should not be happening.”

The shire seeks information from anyone who has witnessed a dog attacking sheep, has seen unaccompanied dogs or has CCTV or dash-cam footage which could help with the investigation.

If anyone has information, they should contact the shire office so the rangers can investigate.

Penalties under the Dog Act 1976 include fines and prosecution.