DOG owners in the Melksham area have been urged to keep their dogs under control in the countryside after a sheep was savaged and had to be destroyed because of its severe injuries.

Police said the sheep worrying incident took place on farmland near Sandridge Hill between 5pm on Friday, January 26 and 11am on Saturday, January 27.

Police said an uncontrolled dog attacked some sheep and one was savaged so badly it had to be put down due to its severe injuries.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to call police on 101.

“Livestock worrying is a criminal offence. If you’re out walking your dog on agricultural land and it worries livestock you are committing the offence of livestock worrying. The penalty for livestock worrying can be six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1000.”

A spokesperson for the National Sheep Association said: “The NSA and all its farmer-members want everyone to share in the iconic landscapes and beautiful countryside.

“Farmers appreciate lots of people like their dog to enjoy the countryside with them, but as much of the UK’s rural landscape is maintained by grazing sheep there is always a strong chance you will encounter some while out with your dog.

“It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. Worrying includes attacking or chasing sheep and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.

“It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.”

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence.

The Act considers sheep worrying to include attacking sheep, chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce or being at large (not on a lead or otherwise under close control) in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep.

For advice on the risk of sheep worrying please log into: http://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/dog-owners/sheep-worrying/