The ban on gun sales in Victoria has left gun store owners fighting for their livelihoods and put some farmers in a position where they're unable to defend their stock.

Gun dealers say they will need to close their stores for good and some farmers are unable to perform pest control, leading to an alarming increase in the number of farm animals being killed by foxes.

Melbourne gun shop owner Adrian Cauchi said he would need to permanently shut his business within a month if the ban was not overturned. Credit:Justin McManus

Firearms dealers are questioning why they were forced to stop trading – including a suspension of their online sales – with no advance notice, while retailers such as JB Hi-Fi remained open.

The decision to ban the sales of firearms and ammunition was announced by the Victorian government and Victoria Police on the final day of March. Authorities cited an increase in gun sales and fears of domestic violence as justification for the measure.