A LIVESTOCK owner has expressed her frustration after continuous fatal dog attacks on her sheep near Standish Woods.

Three of Annabelle Crump's sheep were killed on Saturday after an attack by a large black and white Spaniel.

The attacks have been a long-standing issue for Annabelle and her husband, Jonathan, whose sheep have suffered from numerous dog attacks over the years.

"We have about ten dog attacks every year, but this year they have been more frequent. Most of them are fatal and most of them are unclaimed," she said.

"The dogs that we've seen attack the sheep are always alone with no owners in sight."

Pregnant ewes and lambs have also been killed from previous attacks.

Annabelle and Jonathan are tennant farmers, and the land covers about 300 acres, making it impossible to keep watch on the animals at all times.

"When we see a dog chasing the sheep it's usually on the edge of the woods and we just can't get there fast enough to stop it happening.

"There are fences but the dogs can always find a way under or over if they want to get into the fields.

"By the time we arrive the flock is exhausted and suffering from shock and fright.

"We realise that it is a popular spot for a nice walk in the woods of course, but the trouble is that the dog owners don't always know where their dogs are and that's just not acceptable near farmland.

"In ten years we have only had one person own up about what his dog had done.

"The dogs have always run down from the woods that cover the Haresfield Beacon to Randwick area.

"It's not just the loss of income from the dead sheep that is distressing, but the whole flock gets chased and exhausted from worrying and it is also very upsetting for the children and our whole family."