A Canterbury sheep farmer is appealing to dog walkers to keep their pets on leads near livestock after her new born lambs were attacked leaving two dead and six others badly mauled.

It is the second time in recent years that Verity Garrett has had to cope with the upset and cost of a dog attack.

This time it took place in a field off Grove Road, between Preston and Grove Ferry.

And she says the dog owner must have known what had happened.

"It is such a horrible thing to see young lambs mauled like this which distresses the whole flock," she said.

"We lost two and are nursing six more, all of which have been bitten around their necks."

"They are obviously in a state of shock but have had their wounds treated and we hope they will be ok."

The attack happened last Thursday afternoon but is not believed to have been witnessed.

"The field is not overlooked and the road was closed for work at the crossing on that day so there were no passing cars, as usual.

"I suspect it might have been a local dog walker who would have known what had happened because their pet must have been covered in blood.

"People think that it has to be a hunting type dog, but most are capable of attacking sheep, especially lambs which they just see a white, fluffy toys."

Mrs Garrett previously lost several sheep in a field off Stodmarsh Road and is again urging people to keep their dogs under control.

"I can understand people letting them off their leads in the countryside but definitely not anywhere near livestock.

"There is also a risk to the dogs themselves if they are running loose across farmer's fields where the the crops may have been treated."

Farmers are also being with huge bills caused by dog attacks on their livestock.

Sheep worrying by dogs is an offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 for which the owner can be prosecuted, leading to a fine of up to £1,000. Compensation for loss of livestock can also be sought through civil proceedings.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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