SHEEP have been attacked and killed by dogs in separate attacks in the Wotton-under-Edge area just before Christmas.

A ram and a pregnant ewe were killed in a field in Bournstream, near Wotton, between 5pm on December 21 and 10.45am on December 22.

The attack and a separate incident which saw a sheep killed near North Nibley the previous night are being investigated by police.

Owner of the flock of 100 sheep attacked in Bournstream Valerie Jones said that while the majority of dog walkers were responsible around her animals there were a number of “unruly people” who have been causing problems.

“When I went to check on the sheep in the morning I found one of them had been killed while another had a broken leg and had to be put down.

“Five or six others were badly bitten and we are treating them to try and get them back to full health.”

Her flock was also affected by a similar attack in the summer.

“Unfortunately there’s not a lot we can do as farmers,” she added. “Unless we spent all our time in the field – which is impossible – we have no way of stopping this happening.”

Anyone with any information about either incident is asked to call 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk quoting incidents 168 and 235 of December 22.

Rural and economic crime officer PC Ashley Weller said: "Every year farmers suffer the consequences of irresponsible dog owners, with many of their sheep being attacked and killed or losing their unborn young.

"Once again I am appealing to all dog owners to keep their pets on leads when they are near any livestock, no matter how much you trust them.

“This is your own sake as well as the farm animals.

"It is an offence to allow your dog to worry livestock and farmers have legal rights, under certain conditions, to shoot the dog if they feel the livestock is in danger.

"Anyone identified letting their dog off the lead resulting in an attack or worrying incident will be dealt with by the police and compensation will be sought for the farmer."

The force is also investigating an attack on sheep in Chedworth earlier in December.