A RARE-BREED sheep has been killed in the latest of a spate of savage attacks on the animals by dogs which have happened in Hampshire over the past three months.

The Wiltshire Horn ewe was discovered by National Trust ranger Catherine Handler lying badly injured at Stockbridge Common.

The animal was in such a distressed and injured state after being attacked by a dog that it had to be humanely destroyed.

Appealing for help to track down the dog’s owner, Catherine said: “Another sheep was also limping possibly as a result of being chased at the same time.

“The mauled sheep had to be put down. Someone out there is either deliberately letting their dog loose on the sheep or it is an unfortunate incident, but one which they will know about as the amount of blood shed will mean it is all over the dog’s muzzle and therefore noticeable.”

This is the second time in less than a month that a sheep has been attacked by a dog in Hampshire.

In October, a group of runners called the Hash Harriers lost control of their dog in the New Forest, which mauled a ewe that had to be put down.

Three months ago, the National Trust’s flock was attacked again on Stockbridge Common leading to one sheep being injured so badly that it had to be destroyed.

Police have been called in to investigate the attack and the National Trust is also warning people to be vigilant when using the common.

Catherine added: “We want to raise people’s awareness of these incidents as it is disgraceful behaviour on the part of the dog’s owners.

“The sheep are playing an important role in the habitat conservation of this site and they only occupy a small percentage of the site. It is just not fair that we cannot graze our own stock on this land without constant fear of appalling injury.

“I want to encourage people not only to keep their dogs under control but to keep vigilant for other people who do not.”

A Hampshire police spokesperson said that it is “not uncommon” for officers to be called to incidents where livestock have suffered horrific dog attacks.

They added that attacks on livestock by dogs could be avoided if owners kept their pets under control and on leads when walking in areas with livestock.

Hampshire’s Nation Farmers Union adviser Sandra Nichols said: “Most dog owners and walkers are considerate, but we are very concerned at the rising number of attacks on livestock by dogs that we hear about from farmers.

“Even if dogs don’t physically attack livestock, chasing them can cause pregnant cows and sheep to abort or lead to panicked stock getting tangled up in fences.”

Mrs Nichols had a blunt warning to owners of dogs that attack sheep and other farm animals.

“Livestock worrying is a crime and the law allows farmers to shoot dogs that are worrying livestock and owners could be prosecuted. We ask anyone who sees livestock being chased by dogs to contact the farmer or police immediately,” she said.

The NFU has issued advice to dog owners as part of its “love your countryside” campaign. More information is available at www.nfuonline.com/back-british-farming/love-your-countryside/latest-you-your-dog-and-the-countryside/ Anyone with information about the attack on sheep at Stockbridge is asked to contact 101 and quote the reference number 15111 000447.