ATTACKS on sheep by dogs – a big concern in East Hampshire – could be a thing of the past if SheepWatch UK has its way.

The police, farmers, parish councillors, the dog walking public and rural organisations have been urged to support this new national initiative.

It was launched last week at Queen Elizabeth Country Park by Terena Plowright, a Petersfield area sheep dog trainer who used to manage a flock of 2,500 milking sheep.

Since the start of the year, she’s had calls about attacks nationwide, with 101 sheep killed and 33 injured. The cost to the industry and the individual farmers was huge.

“It’s so hard to get exact figures but reports are coming in nearly daily from across the country and we’ve had enough,” said Terena.

Buriton farmer Andrew Bray, whose sheep have suffered from attacks in recent months and is a founder of SheepWatch UK, said:?“I am fed up with seeing injured or dead sheep. It’s horrendous for the animals and costly and emotionally upsetting for me and my family.”

He thought fines could be a good deterrent along with possibly “naming and shaming” people via social media if a dog was found among sheep and there was evidence of ownership.

East Meon farmer George Atkinson said: “It’s dog owners who need to be educated. End of. It’s their fault.”

SheepWatch UK is asking farmers to put a specially designed yellow notice at entrances to their fields so dog walkers know livestock are present, especially those with footpaths through them.

This would take away any excuses from dog walkers, who would then be required to put leads on their animals, allowing the owners to be fined if their animal was causing harm.

Doug Jones, of Buriton Parish Council, said: “It’s not good enough to believe your dog won’t chase sheep.

“All dogs love chasing and many bite or kill – it’s an inbuilt instinct.

“Our parish has had several attacks in the last few months and we are pulling together to aim to put an end to it by being part of SheepWatch UK and imploring people to keep their dogs on leads when anywhere near where there might be sheep.”

Also speaking at the launch was John Blair of Petersfield who had brought his black spaniel Wilfie along.

Wilfie had recently chased sheep, not attacking them, but enough to make John see how strong their instinct was.