A SHEEP has had to be put down after being attacked by an out of control dog.

The attacked happened on Broad Down, near British Camp on the Malvern Hills.

Beck Baker the Malvern Hills Trust’s community and conservation officer, said : “On January 13, just two weeks into the New Year, a sheep died following an attack by a dog.

“We’re disappointed that the owner has failed to come forward despite it being very likely that their dog returned to them with blood all over its face and mouth.”

The Malvern Hills Trust is calling again for dog walkers to keep close control of their dogs at all times.

As well as the cattle and sheep within the electric-fenced enclosures - where dogs should be on a lead - livestock can be found anywhere on the hills and commons.

If in doubt, Ms Baker asked for dog owners to always put their dog on a lead when visiting the Malverns just in case there is a sheep or cow around the corner.

She added “The grazier was very upset by the extent of the injuries and horrified by the amount of suffering that had been caused by someone’s pet.

“We are working closely with West Mercia Police and they will be coming to the car parks during Easter to talk to dog walkers about the importance of keeping their dogs on a lead.

“We have wardens, a grazier and our staff out on the hills and it’s difficult to catch people who do this.

“Anyone with information can contact the Malvern Hills Trust in the strictest confidence.”

This has happened before as we reported in November.

A sheep was found dead by a grazier on Table Hill, near to Joyner’s Meadow on the northern part of the hills range and at the time this was the third attack in a matter of weeks

To help visitors be prepared, the trust publishes Stockwatch, a weekly update with the locations of cattle and sheep grazing on the Malvern Hills and surrounding commons where dogs should be on a lead. Stockwatch is published on the trust’s website, social media and in the Malvern Gazette each week.

The trust is hoping to raise awareness of the serious nature of these types of livestock incidents.

Grazing is an essential part of the management of the hills and commons to conserve the rare open habitats, archaeology and views.