Five sheep killed in latest Shropshire dog attacks
Five more sheep have been killed in attacks in Shropshire, prompting fresh warnings about the need to keep dogs under control near farms.
The attacks happened in the Shelve area of Clun and police believe they may have happened overnight.
Police have urged dog owners to be vigilant after the latest attacks which officers say also left a number of sheep showing signs of distress.
Shropshire chairman of the National Farmers' Union Richard Yates said it was a problem that sadly seemed to be on the rise.
He said: "I myself have had problems with sheep worrying. I have a farm adjacent to Bridgnorth and I have had a couple of incidents of dogs attacking sheep.
"It is something that has been happening for years and it is nothing new, but it is concerning. It is particularly so at this time of year when we have ewes that are close to giving birth."
Details of the latest attacks, which happened over the last month, have just been revealed. In recent weeks, a sheep was killed in an attack in Kington and two in St Martins, near Oswestry.
The latest incidents come after it was revealed between 20 and 25 dog attacks have taken on the Long Mynd in the past year.
Mr Yates said: "Quite a bit of it is lack of awareness from dog owners about the potential risks. I think it is really about education and getting the message out there about the problems.
"I am always cautious, it could be a problem just round the corner.
"I am just about to go and check my own sheep. We are about to start lambing and so like all responsible farmers I have to check on my sheep on a regular basis.
"But I am afraid that it does seem to be on the rise – the question is why?"
Police today warned it is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep and this includes attacking or chasing sheep.
Farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.
