FIVE sheep have been viciously attacked by dogs in five separate incidents in recent days.

Three sheep were mauled to death in the attacks at Ashdown Forest while two were seriously injured.

The Conservators of Ashdown Forest, which manage the land, have urged dog-walkers to act responsibly to avoid further sheep attacks – and warned they reserve the right to shoot out of control dogs.

Early this month, Hebridean sheep was mauled to death inside an electric-fenced enclosure at Chelwood Gate, near Haywards Heath.

According to conservators it suffered “appalling injuries” and “suffered terribly” before it died, on August 12. The Forest Centre is appealing for any witnesses or information.

An Akita dog escaped from its owner, chased and killed a commoners’ ewe on August 20. Sussex Police are investigating.

Another sheep was killed by a large brown boxer-type dog outside Lower Misbourne Farm, Nutley, on August 21. A witness took photographs of the dog, which could not be caught. No owner was present.

Two more dog attacks took place Misbourne Farm, near Uckfield, on Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23.

It is not known whether the same dog was responsible. The sheep are being treated for injuries which could still prove fatal.

The Conservators of Ashdown Forest, which manage the land, have urged dog-walkers to act responsibly to avoid further sheep attacks.

A spokesperson said: “If owners cannot keep their dogs under close control at all times, they must have them on a lead.

“Each year, more than twenty sheep are killed or gravely injured by dogs on Ashdown Forest. Sheep-worrying is a criminal offence and a really serious problem on the Forest.

“Commoners and Conservators alike have a zero-tolerance policy to sheep-worrying and, as a last resort, exercise the right to shoot dogs which are chasing or attacking their livestock.”

In May this year, a Labrador responsible for the death of three sheep, was shot dead on Ashdown Forest.

This spring, the Conservators launched a Code of Conduct for dog-walkers incorporating ‘The 4 Cs’ – “Control”, “Care for livestock and wildlife”, “Consider others”, and “Clean up”.

More information is available on the Conservators website www.ashdownforest.org.

Forest users are asked to be vigilant and report any incidences of sheep worrying to the Forest Centre immediately.