Two more sheep savaged at Banstead farm

The attack happened early on Tuesday morning, with two sheep suffering horrific injuries so severe they had to be destroyed.

A third sheep was injured but should recover.

It is the second time in three weeks a dog has attacked sheep at Rose Hill Farm in Banstead.

In August, a dog savaged a sheep’s face, and it had to be put down at a cost of £300.

Moya Hayward, who owns the smallholding, was furious another dog had struck despite moving her flock to a different part of the farm following the first attack.

She said: “We have had endless problem with people and their dogs.

“We think somebody is letting their dog into the field. You would not believe the injuries.

“You put all the hardwork into these animals and someone does this. it is so disrespectful.”

Mrs Hayward said she had no choice but to put down the two young ewes, who were healthy before the attack, such were their injuries.

She is annoyed by the lack of action by local authorities in dealing with dogs attacking livestock.

She said: “It is so frustrating. People need to be aware of the damage they are doing.”

Every year thousands of sheep and cattle die as a result of injuries caused by dogs.

Insurance company NFU Mutual said the estimated cost of incidents involving insured animals is more than £900,000 a year, and as many farmers do not have insurance the actual cost of dog worrying incidents is likely to be much higher.

The figure also excluded livestock worrying of single animals.

Oliver Cartwright, NFU spokesman, said: “Dog owners forget the friendly-family pet can turn wolf.

“They should remember the law allows farmers to shoot dogs which are threatening livestock.

“People find it hard to believe that their pet can be a hazard to livestock.

“Whatever their temperament, dogs have an in-built chase instinct which can be triggered by the sight or movement of farm animals.

“That’s why it is so important to keep dogs on leads near livestock and under control at all times.”