TWO incidents which saw four sheep killed, five mauled, 12 lambs killed and three ewes injured by dogs in Somerset has led to police asking owners to keep their pets under control.

The warning, specifically to dog owners when their pets are around livestock, comes just days after two attacks in Glastonbury and Yarley on Wednesday.

In an incident in a field between Street and Glastonbury at Back River Drove, four sheep were killed and a further five mauled, which are likely to die.

The flock fled following the attack and police assisted with rounding them up.

The dog responsible has been found and the owner identified and will be interviewed.

In a second separate incident at Greystones Farm in Yarley, two dogs were discovered on land where there were 12 dead lambs and three injured ewes.

One dog was shot as it tried to attack the remainder of the lambs.

Farmers do have the right to shoot dogs who are worrying or attacking livestock, but this can be avoided if dogs are kept on leads and owners make sure that they are secure and cannot escape from their homes or gardens, particularly in rural areas.

The owner of the other dog, which escaped following the incident has been traced and the dog has been returned to them.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Police officers will be visiting the areas and will be advising dog walkers to ensure that their pets are secure and on leads.

Inspector Jo Ross, who heads up the force’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We take these types of incidents very seriously and will work with farmers and the local community to make sure we always trace the owners of the dogs and take appropriate action.

"Attacks on livestock, which result in death and severe injury, have a huge impact on farmer’s and their livelihoods.

“Farmers do have the right to shoot dogs that are attacking or worrying their animals.

"We don’t want anyone to lose their family pet, and no matter how placid or well behaved dogs are, they still have natural instincts, so keeping them on a lead near farm animals just avoids unpleasant situations for all.

“If your dog attacks livestock, you could end up being responsible for offences including criminal damage and sheep worrying in addition to potential prosecution for offences under The Dangerous Dogs Act. You might also end up being fined or liable for compensation.

“It’s a really simple message - please keep dogs on leads near livestock - even if they are in a separate field.

"Please also stick to designated footpaths and make sure you are shutting field gates properly, particularly during lambing season.

"We don’t want anyone else too lose livestock or a loved family pet.”

If you have any information about these or other incidents, you can call police on 101 or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

They never ask your name or trace your call and you could earn a cash reward.