AN urgent appeal for information has this week been issued by the Dartmoor livestock protection officer, following another spate of attacks on sheep in West Devon.

Karla McKechnie said five more sheep have been savaged by dogs in the last week — two have already died with a third clinging to life as the Times went to press.

The attacks have happened on the Roborough Common area, between Long Ash near Crapstone and Magpie Woods in the Walkham Valley.

Karla said: 'Every time in these last incidents the sheep have had their ears chewed off.

'On several occasions, two long-tailed terriers have been seen running away with blood on their faces — someone must know who these dogs belong to.'

Karla said the most recent attack was on Saturday, in Magpie Woods — again, two coloured, long-tailed terriers were seen in the area.

Karla said the farmers who owned the sheep were getting increasingly angry and upset at the attacks.

'This can't keep going, somebody must know who owns these dogs,' said Karla.

Last week, the Times reported on the death of seven sheep which had been so badly injured in dog attacks they had died. Another was severely injured and two lambs were aborted.

All the attacks have happened in the same area.

The police have been informed about the incidents — anyone with information or anyone who witnesses incidents of animal attacks on Dartmoor can call Karla McKechnie on 07873 587561.