Dog owners have been warned following a sheep attack near Moreton.

Police officer Nick Westmacott has urged pet owners to keep their dogs on leads when near livestock following a spate of attacks in the area.

On Thursday, December 1, a ewe was badly bitten near Longborough.

PC Westmacott said: "We are receiving a lot of reports of dog being off leads and not under proper control around live stock , mainly sheep , ewes and lambs."

He explained that following the attack on Thursday, police have obtained DNA from the wounds.

Officers are now making enquiries with local dog owners in obtaining matching DNA.

"Lambing season is now from Autumn to Spring called block lambing," added PC Westmacott.

"So most ewes are pregnant and in most case have to be destroyed causing distress and financial loss to farmers.

"Farmers do have a legal right , as a last resort, to shoot offending dogs seen attacking their flocks. 

"We know most dog owners are responsible owners and do keep their dog on leads and pick up after them. This is an appeal to those who don't."