Dog owners warned by police over sheep attacks

open where its heart could be seen beating.

The lamb was treated by a vet but had to be put down. The ewe is being treated with antibiotics and the farmer hopes mother and unborn lambs will survive.

Pc Newsome said farmers could shoot and kill dogs that attack sheep. She posted distressing pictures of the bloodied lamb on Twitter and insisted they be shown as an example of what pet dogs are capable of.

She added: “I have two dogs myself and they are both big softies on the settee with teddy bears but I wouldn’t dream of taking them out into a field with livestock because the hunting instinct kicks in.

“It’s the same with cats. They still go out hunting and come home with a mouse.

“The message from us and the farmers is to be more responsible when out walking in the countryside with dogs.

“Ultimately, of course, lambs are going to be slaughtered but this one has been caused suffering. It was only four weeks old.”

Pc Newsome said with the loss of the lamb and the ongoing vet’s bills the farmer was already £500 out of pocket.

She urged farmers to report all incidents, which would be investigated thoroughly.

Back in February the Examiner reported how sheep had been attacked and killed by dogs in Holmfirth and Netherton.

A farmer, who asked not to be named, said at the time: “All dogs should be kept on leads around livestock.

“No matter how friendly you believe your dog to be they still have the ability to chase sheep around a field and cause much unnecessary suffering and harm to innocent animals that have no way of defending themselves against dogs.”

Another added: “We have the right to shoot your dog if it is causing distress to our livestock... and we will.”