HALF a dozen sheep have been savaged in suspected dog attacks in the same area over the past few months, causing farmers to start patrols of the location.

Dartmoor Livestock Protection officer Karla McKechnie said over the past few months several sheep had been killed in similar ways at Highdown near Lydford.

She said: ‘They have all died by being savaged round the throat.

‘The injuries that were caused have been horrendous. Some of the sheep were in lamb, which has a knock-on effect and major repercussions.

‘We assume it would have been dog attacks, but no-one has come forward to tell us this has happened.

‘The farmers are now doing patrols of the area and wouldn’t hesitate to stop anyone whose dog is off the lead and hassling livestock.

‘Please keep your dog on a lead around livestock and don’t hesitate to call us and report it if your dog attacks a sheep, we may be able to help save it — just do the right thing.’

To report an attack, contact Karla McKechnie on 07873587561 or call the police on 101.