A VIDEO of a dog attack on a pregnant sheep which left the ewe dead on Butser Hill is with police.

The incident on Saturday, December 17, was filmed walkers, who also noted the registration of the dog owners car, says the National Farmers Union (NFU).

An NFU spokesman said: “The sheep belonged to Michael Atkinson of South Farm in Clanfield Lane East Meon, and the video and car registration number are with the police.”

This is the latest local dog attack, which includes one between Buriton and Petersfield on ewes owned by Andrew Bray.

Nationally more than 100 sheep have been killed this year, and that doesn’t include those that die of shock later, or aborted lambs after being chased.

The NFU spokesman added: “We are urging people to keep dogs on a lead.

“Pregnant ewes can abort their lambs if chased and sheep that have been bitten by dogs can die slow, painful deaths, dogs can inflict the most terrible injuries on farm animals.

“Dog attacks end in tragedy for the farmer and for the dog owner whose pet can legally be shot by a farmer if it’s chasing sheep or cattle.”

A police spokesman said: “A car described as a Volvo estate was seen leaving the area shortly afterwards.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference 44160475050.”