A FARMER had to shoot a dog which was attacking his sheep.

The brown chow, which had got off its lead, killed at least four ewes during the attack which happened on Pendle Hill.

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The dog had slipped its lead and the farmed did make attempts to catch it before being forced to shoot it.

The dog’s owner has been informed.

The attack happened at around 5pm on Tuesday and police are warning that they are becoming a regular occurrence.

PC Tony Walsh, of Ribble Valley Police, said: “Incidents such as this cause all round devastation; to the livestock, the dog, the farmer and also to the person in charge of the dog at the time.

“This is a timely reminder to everyone who walks a dog to please be responsible and to make sure you have full control of your pets at all times, especially when anywhere near farm land or livestock.

“If you are walking dogs on moorland, on footpaths in fields etc, expect there to be livestock there, even if it looks as though the field is empty.

“Also remember a dog chasing sheep ‘having a bit of fun’ is an offence.”