3 sheep will have to be put down after another dog attack in fields surrounding Carisbrooke Castle, where a flock has now been targeted 5 times in the space of 12 months.
Police received a report of the latest attack this morning (Friday), with the incident believed to have taken place at some point between yesterday and today.
All 3 sheep suffered injuries so severe that they will have to be put down, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary say.
The latest incident follows a string of attacks on the same flock, with previous incidents reported on 2nd November last year and 30th January, 3rd August and 9th August this year.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has launched enquiries into the latest attack and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Officers have once again urged dog owners to act responsibly around livestock, warning that attacks can cause significant suffering to animals as well as emotional distress and financial losses for farmers.
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock, and owners or those in control of dogs can face prosecution.
Police have also warned that, as a last resort, farmers can shoot a dog to bring an attack to an end.
Dog owners are being reminded to keep their pets on leads or under close control around livestock and to ensure they do not stray from public rights of way.
Even in fields where no livestock is visible, owners are advised to keep dogs in sight and only allow them off the lead if they can be reliably recalled.
Anyone with information about the latest attack is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 44260531710. Anyone who witnesses livestock worrying taking place should call 999.
