The dogs were reportedly heading towards livestock, but in four quick shots, they were killed on Friday, March 16.

Though the farmer cannot prove the dogs were aggressive, or in the vicinity of livestock, or they attacked a kangaroo, rangers have taken his word for it, and the case is closed as far as they are concerned.

But the vivid memory of finding her beloved pets dead in a heap continues to haunt the dog owner.

Read more: Opinion split over dog shootings

Karen has not had a proper night’s sleep since she fell over, dropped their leads, and lost her dogs on the afternoon of Friday, March 16.

She called, whistled, screamed for her dogs until night descended, and she gave up, deciding to continue the search in the morning.

Karen did hear gun shots, and a yelp at 8pm, and hoped to God it had nothing to do with her dogs.

Two men and three women set out on the Saturday morning, including Jasmin, a dog owner herself.

“I was with the owner when we found three healthy, beautiful dogs dead on the ground,” Jasmin said.

“How can the farmer prove that the dogs were menacing?

“We need to change the legislation, make them accountable, provide video footage or photographic evidence.

“There are no protections for owners like Karen.”

Jasmin was disappointed to hear no warning shot was fired, thinking it may have caused the dogs to scatter, and prevented the killings.

She sympathised with the farmer.

“I grew up around dairy farms, I know they need to protect their stock,” Jasmin said.

“Dog owners need protections too.”

There was some conjecture on social media around Karen’s level of culpability in the incident, as her dogs had escaped her yard in the past.

“She was told to fix her fencing and walk them on leads, which she did,” Jasmin said.

“She tripped and fell, it was just a series of unfortunate events.”