A PLEA is going out to dog owners to keep their pets under control after a number of sheep worrying incidents on Dartmoor.

The Livestock Protection Officer for the Dartmoor Commoners' Council and Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society Karla McKechnie said sheep on Roborough Down were being 'terrorised to within an inch of their lives'.

'Last week a dog chased and caught one sheep and bit it severely on its flank,' she said. 'On Sunday another sheep was chased in blind terror into the river at Gem Bridge near Horrabridge and was rescued by the fire brigade.

'Previous to that a black and tan terrier was pulled off the back end of a terrified sheep by a workman at Gem Bridge. That sheep died from its injuries.'

Karla said dog walkers must act responsibly and keep their dogs under close control.

'Ewes will soon be heavy in lamb and will abort their lambs if chased, and many sheep die from severe dog bites,' she said.

'I know that dogs have run sheep from near Pound Corner down into the river at Magpie Bends.

'No dog owner should let his or her pet off the lead unless it is trained to return immediately when called.'

Karla is asking for help from regular walkers on Roborough Down: 'We need to know at once if anyone is witness to dogs worrying sheep.

'At several locations on Roborough there are posters with phone numbers for reporting incidents. We need to get prompt help to any injured sheep, and a description of the out-of-control dogs, their owners and car registration plates for the police.

'But, more than anything, I'm asking dog owners to keep dogs under close control when near grazing sheep and other livestock.

'Most people are genuinely shocked to discover their pet has chased a sheep. Please stop your dog before it starts.'