An investigation has been launched after five sheep were killed in a field over the course of a fortnight.
The animals were killed by a suspected dog attack on land off Caverswall Common, Caverswall, Staffordshire since the start of October - with the most recent attack on Monday (16 October) last week.
It is believed somebody has been damaging stiles and cutting fences to get into the field with dogs at night.
All the attacks took place at night and now the RSPCA is urging anyone with information about the killings to contact them.
RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: “It is really shocking that this has happened and we do believe that someone has been deliberately targeting the sheep in this field.
“All of the sheep who have died have injuries consistent with being mauled by a dog, and the fact that entry to the field has been forced leads us to believe it is a deliberate act.
“The aftermath of these attacks causes extreme stress, injuries and sometimes death to the sheep. Dog owners should also remember that they could be prosecuted and their dog could be shot if they are caught worrying sheep.”
Sheep worrying is becoming a big issue in the UK, with many farmers regularly posting on social media about dog attacks on a near daily basis.
A Welsh farmer has spoken of his anger towards those who leave dogs off leads in the countryside after losing a fifth of his flock since the start of July.
