PEWSEY farmer Tim White is pleading to dog walkers to keep their pets on leads after fatal attacks on his sheep.

He has taken to Facebook to voice his frustration after some of his flock has either been killed or suffered horrific injuries from dog attacks in Martinsell Hill.

In the public plea, which has received more than 150 likes, Mr White said: “I farm sheep on Martinsell Hill, Pewsey. An area of land that has public access and is very popular with walkers and dog owners.

“I have suffered three dog attacks on the sheep in the last two weeks, animals have had to be put down and have had to have horrific injuries stitched up.

“There will be many aborted lambs as a result of these incidents and plenty of stress to both the sheep and myself.

“I would like to remind people that dogs are required by law to be kept under control and on a leash at all times when in a field with livestock present.

“Dog owners always tell me that their dog ‘would never chase a sheep' - until of course it happens and we end up with a dead sheep or /and a dead dog.

“I am no longer giving warnings - keep your dogs on a lead at all times.”

Elsewhere in Wiltshire a Westbury farmer is threatening to shoot dogs if there are any more attacks to his flock on his land in Penleigh Farm.

Owen Singer said he is disgusted he has had to resort to this and also took to Facebook this week to warn dog owners after the death of four of his sheep in the past two weeks.

He is urging people to stay on the footpaths with dogs on the lead at all times, regardless of whether there are any sheep in the field.

His post reads: “One with its jaw torn off, one with its back legs and udder torn open and one drowned as it was driven into the river by a chasing dog and one through stress.

“I have made the decision that the very lax attitude to dog walking on Penleigh Farm has come to an end.

“Free roaming across the fields in whichever direction you want will cease, and if your dog is not on its lead it will be shot.

“I have never had to do this and am disgusted that it has come to this. The action of a few ignorant, thoughtless ass holes ruin it for everyone. Happy New Year Westbury.”