A DOG killed one lamb and left eight others with serious injuries in Woodmancote near Cirencester.

The lambs were badly bitten around the neck and hind quarters, receiving puncture wounds.

All nine lambs were injured in the attack which happened sometime between 8.30pm on May 9 and 8.45 am on May 10.

The attack was in a field adjacent to the village, and the farmer has incurred considerable cost due to the loss of the dead lamb and treatment to the injured lambs.

It is possible the dog or dogs may have become ill due to a fly chemical that was used to treat the lambs before they were bitten.

The farmer is a repeat victim, after several of his sheep were attacked and killed last year.

PCSO Andrea Shutt said: “This incident has been particularly distressing to the farmer who owned the lambs.

“This isn’t the first time that his livestock has been attacked in this way. I believe one or more dog owners in the Woodmancote area have been irresponsible in allowing their dogs off the lead near these lambs, and appeal for them to come forward.

“I would urge the public to take note of any signs the farmer puts up, and we are distributing leaflets in the area to remind people to keep their dogs under close control. Above all we want to stop this happening again.”

Pictures of some of the injured lambs are shown and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 272 of May 11.