A SHEEP died after a horrific attack by a group of dogs.

The pets set upon the animal on the South Downs near Lancing last month.

The dogs’ owner has since been cautioned by police and issued with a community protection warning.

Rural Police Community Support Officer Erica Baxter warned that a farmer could legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock, and said that livestock worrying is common in Sussex.

She said: “So often in these incidents the owners are horrified by what their dogs have done. It is true to say that even a single, gentle and loving pet dog can be hard to catch if it runs off. It can enter a field and, once there, can chase or kill livestock.”

PCSO Baxter highlighted the importance of keeping dogs on their leads around livestock.

She said: “Livestock worrying does have a significant effect. After-effects can include death from shock and abortion, and injuries can take time to heal, carrying a risk of ‘fly strike’ where they become infested with maggots as blood attracts insects.”

Horsham Police said a further eight sheep had been attacked in the area thius week, “all by a dog well-loved for its placid nature”.

PCSO Baxter said: “Everyone involved in these beautiful areas of our county wishes them to be widely enjoyed for the great open areas that they are and that is best achieved through responsible attitudes all round.”