Four severely injured sheep have had to be put to sleep after dog attacks on the fringes of St Albans, prompting police to warn people about keeping pets on leads around livestock.

Herts Police said that two dogs were believed to be responsible for two separate attacks, on a total eight sheep, as they were grazing near Colney Heath.

In the first incident, four sheep had to be put down after five of the flock were left heavily wounded off Tollgate Road, in North Mymms Park near the A1(M), between 10.15-10.30am last Sunday (9).

Dogs were also believed to have attacked a further three sheep, leaving them heavily wounded, between 9.50-9.55am on Monday (10).

The land in North Mymms Park where the sheep graze is privately owned.

Police have launched an appeal for information, while urging people to keep dogs on leads around livestock.

PCSO Samantha Griffin, investigating, said: “We are very keen to find out more information about these incidents and would urge anyone who saw any activity in these areas around these times to contact us.”

She warned that under the Dog (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, “if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence”.

The Act identifies sheep worrying as including the attacking of sheep, chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce, or being at large - not on a lead or otherwise under close control - in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep.

PCSO Griffin added: “It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.”

Phone 101, and ask for PCSO Samantha Griffin or PC Alasdair Macphail, if you can help with the investigation.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.