A group of up to three large dogs have attacked and killed nine sheep, with a further three needing to be put down.
The incident happened on Monday (10 December) in County Armagh, Nothern Ireland. Farmers have been warned to be vigilant.
Northern Ireland based veterinary practice Orchard Veterinary Centre Armagh has issued a warning on Facebook which has gained hundreds of shares.
The centre said: “We were called today to the Keady area for a particularly bad case of sheep worrying.
“Nine sheep were killed yesterday [Monday] by a group of two-three large dogs and I had to euthanize three more because of severe bite injuries; another 10 in lamb ewes were chased badly too and can often end up aborting their lambs in these cases.
“These poor defenceless creatures stood no chance against them.”
The veterinary practice added: “Farmers please be vigilant to avoid more loss of life. This is why dogs cannot be allowed to roam as this is an example of the real damage they can do.”
Sheep farmers are being urged to take cover against the potential financial losses incurred by sheep worrying after the latest spate of distressing attacks reported across the country.
