Nine sheep killed in dog attacks, farmers believe

Mike Simpson described the attacks as "gut-wrenching"

Nine sheep have been killed by dogs, two Worcestershire farmers believe.

The attacks, in Bransford, just outside Worcester, come just weeks before the lambing season.

Mike Simpson and Andrew Grant have appealed for dog walkers using their land to keep their pets on a lead "at all times".

Such attacks have a major financial impact on farms, since each sheep carrying two lambs is worth up to £500.

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, Mr Simpson said he had lost six sheep in two separate incidents.

"It was quite gut-wrenching to have to witness it," he said. "As farmers, we always put the welfare of the animals as the priority.

"It is just so cruel to see innocent animals just attacked, it causes a lot of stress for us as well."

Mr Simpson said he and his fellow farmers have put signs and cameras up in order to help prevent future attacks.

• Listen to BBC Sounds where reporter Matt Hutchinson went to meet Mr Simpson and Mr Grant

As well as losing three sheep, Mr Grant says several of his animals have been wounded

Even if sheep are not attacked, the stress of being chased can lead to lambs dying, he stressed.

Mr Grant, who has recently lost three sheep, said: "We do not know who they are, we do not know if they were accompanied or on a lead or not.

"It only takes one dog to go a bit mad and it will injure the sheep and kill them."