A SHEEP was killed and another two had to be put down after a dog attack.

Michael Burnop said Saturday's incident of sheep worrying followed one six weeks ago at Cowden Farm, Dean Lane, Great Harwood.

The 43-year-old said: "It is tragic to have to deal with this sort of thing but sheep worrying incidents are becoming more common.

"The dog owners just say 'oh my dog won't do things like that' but tell that to me when I have four sheep inside on antibiotics and anti-inflammatories because of a dog attack.

"One of the sheep died and two more had to be put down because of their injuries.

"It is becoming a bigger problem since COVID as there are more people wanting to go for walks with their dogs and they are letting them off their leads.

"About a month ago, there was another dog worrying when the sheep ran into the river to get away from the dog but she died as she was pregnant and died from stress."

Now Mr Burnop, who has been a farmer all his life, said it is hard to see the sheep die.

He said: "It makes you feel sick, angry and devastated knowing that your animals have suffered an unnecessary and easily unavoidable death and injury.

"As farmers we work all year round to bring these animals up and all the ones that have been attacked were going to have life on a farm where they were born and cared for.

"There is a public footpath about 100 yards from the farm and they have come onto our land with the dog.

"We have moved the sheep off the field but all we want is dog owners to keep their pets on a lead.

"It is only going to be a matter of time before a dog gets shot as it is our legal right to protect our lifestock if dogs are worrying the sheep."

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "We are aware of the incident on Dean Lane in Great Harwood at 5.50pm on March 6.

"There was a dog worrying a sheep and one had died.

"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who has information about the incident should call 101 and quote the log reference LC-20210306-1203."