One woman was charged and knocked down and another man almost suffered a similar fate while trying to control the raging beast.

There were numerous near-accidents in the city and along Raglan Parade before police shot the steer, taking several attempts to kill it.

Residents raised concerns about the shooting, while Warrnambool City Council backed the police's action.

It is understood the steer began its run near Emmanuel College and headed east along Raglan Parade towards the city before turning into Kepler Street.

Senior Constable Karlis Broders said police were called when the steer was near Hider Street.

"It went into town and headed into the Pontings timber yard.

"We tried to corral it there but it got out before we could close the gates," he said.

"It headed through the CBD along the footpaths, went east along Koroit Street and the steer was causing quite a stir with a few people pointing and waving along Koroit Street."

Senior Constable Broders said that at the T-intersection with Koroit and Foster streets police hoped to be able to contain the steer in open land to the east of the intersection.

"A few members of the public tried to assist. The steer was agitated but it it appeared as though we had managed to contain it," he said.

"Unfortunately, the steer then charged a female member of the public as she tried to help out. It bowled her over and made a run for it heading north up Foster Street."

Senior Constable Broders said that after briefly checking the woman was OK police pursued the steer as it headed toward Raglan Parade.

"It started running along the highway initially heading east and quite of number of motorists had to take evasive action," he said.

"It then continued north up the Foster Street hill. We again nearly contained it at the back of some units and another member of the public stopped to assist.

He almost came to the same demise as the woman when it charged through.

"It became apparent we were not going to be able to contain or control the steer and the decision was made to dispatch it. It took several shots to bring it down."

Senior Constable Broders said the decision to shoot the animal relieved a potential danger to the public.

Council local laws manager Murray Murfett said it was a serious situation with potential to cause serious injuries to members of the public.

"Based on the circumstances, council supports the necessary action that was taken by the police and thanks those who assisted in dealing with the incident," he said.

athomson@standard.fairfax.com.au