Pregnant sheep killed in suspected dog attack

Three pregnant sheep have been killed in what police believe was a dog attack.

Wiltshire Police said a flock of ewes was attacked at around 07:30 BST on Wednesday in a field off Malthouse Lane, Upper Chute.

Three sheep which were all in lamb were killed during the attack and several other injured, police added.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police. Due to the injuries caused to the ewes, officers believe it is likely the dog would have returned covered in blood, police said.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "We would like to remind dog owners that it is crucial to keep control of your dog around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to return when called.

"If you live near or in an agricultural area, make sure your house is suitable to prevent your dog escaping and finding its way on to land containing livestock."

Police also have powers to seize dogs suspected of livestock worrying, order DNA samples or enter premises to identify dogs which were involved.

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