Dogs wreak sheep havoc (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Dogs wreak sheep havoc

A SOUTH Cerney farmer who has had four sheep attacked is urging dog owners to keep their pets under control.

David Chubb of Boxbush Farm, has found all of the animals half-eaten, and is worried there will be more cases.

He said: "It has only been in the last few weeks but after Christmas I have 60 ewes in lamb arriving and that's why I want to get it sorted out.

"It's a difficult situation because there's not much we can do to stop it happening.

"Using a gun is not a practical solution because it's in a built up area and unless you see the attack it's possible to get the wrong animal."

Although the sheep attacks have not been seen Mr Chubb said there was an occasion when he witnessed a dog, believed to be a Boxer, causing distress to a ewe.

He said: "The dog had cornered one of the sheep against the shed but I managed to frighten him off.

"Later on I saw another ewe had been partly eaten."

Just last week after similar cases of sheep attacks in the Cotswolds police officer George Lager warned dog owners pets could be killed if they are allowed to run loose.

He said: "Farmers and livestock owners are legally entitled to shoot dogs that are worrying their animals.

"Dog owners need to make sure their pet cannot easily escape from their property - particularly if there is livestock nearby.

"Many dog owners do not believe their pet could attack and kill a sheep, but pregnant ewes give off a scent that can turn the most docile of dogs into a killer." He added: "When dogs are being taken for a walk near livestock they should always be kept on a lead."