SHEEP have been attacked by dogs in a nature reserve after being let loose off their leads. Andrew Wear, aged 45, has had to put down three sheep this year because dogs are running amok in Dolebury Warren, near Churchill, and savaging his livestock. He sa

SHEEP have been attacked by dogs in a nature reserve after being let loose off their leads.Andrew Wear, aged 45, has had to put down three sheep this year because dogs are running amok in Dolebury Warren, near Churchill, and savaging his livestock.He said: "It is very distressing. Owners are saying that their dogs would never attack a sheep but I'm finding sheep which have been savaged but are still alive. We have no choice but to put them down."Andrew has rented the nature reserve, owned by the National Trust, for 13 years and he has told the landlord that if he loses more sheep, he will have no choice but to move.Dolebury Warren is a popular walking spot with people at the weekend and, despite signs saying to keep dogs on leads, owners still set them free.Andrew has to pay to dispose of the sheep, and is planning to gather the remaining 250 animals and move them from the hill to stop more deaths.Dogs running off their leads have also infected sheep in the past with tapeworm, causing liver problems which could prove fatal.Andrew said: "It is hard work trying to keep everything under control and these added pressures are not helping."Andrew and other farmers in the area have to check on their livestock daily to make sure there are no casualties, adding extra hours onto an already busy day.Andrew added: "Dog owners are not taking due care and attention and we're suffering. I can't justify renting the land anymore.