A FARMER has lost eight sheep after they were attacked by dogs.

Jamie Russell is warning dog walkers to keep their pets on leads and to make sure gardens are secure to stop them escaping - otherwise they risk being shot.

The attacks happened on a farm near Laughton Brooks bordering Ringmer and Glynde east of Lewes over the New Year period.

Four sheep were killed instantly while the others were seriously maimed.

Mr Russell, 30, who works on the farm, said: "We had six fat lambs attacked and two ewes, which are more expensive.

"We have had to shoot four of them due to having the whole back ripped out. They were so badly clawed up. It's not very nice.

"We are fairly hardened to that sort of thing but it's horrible.

"It has probably cost us the best part of £800 this week."

Mr Russell believes he can work out which dogs are responsible, being from the surrounding area rather than the result of walkers.

But he added: "Keep dogs on leads when you see sheep. Sometimes it's very hard to stop them when they get that taste.

"If you let them out in a garden, make sure it's secure and that they can't get out.

"If it keeps happening the dogs will have to be shot and that's the last thing we want.

"We don't necessarily want the dogs killed. We just don't want it to happen again.

"It's not the dog's fault - it is down to the owners."

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "Dog-owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control.

"Losing livestock can have a huge emotional and financial affect on farmers.

"Landowners also have the right as a last resort to destroy any dog worrying livestock so owners are also putting their pets at risk.

"Sussex Police and land-owners do not want to discourage members of the public from enjoying the countryside but we do want to remind dog-owners of their responsibility."