United Kingdom-Sheep worrying on the increase.

Sheep have been savaged or chased to the point of collapse by one or more dogs on Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Downs in the past few months. Twelve sheep have died in the area since mid-December, and a further three have suffered injuries.

National Trust property manager Ellen Dempster raised the concern in a report to Dunstable Town Council’s library and promotions committee. She told the councillors: "It is proving to be a real problem."

Attacks had been taking place during the day, but it was not known whether all of the sheep-worrying had been carried out by the same dog or dogs. The National Trust has been working with the Beds County Council countryside access service to investigate ways to address the situation and improve local understanding.

The grazier was expected to be moving sheep back home from the Whipsnade Heath area on Friday, February 27, ready for lambing.

After the meeting, the property manager said: "At the field where the sheep are in at the moment, there are signs on the gate on the way in, to say that there are sheep in this field and you must keep your dog under control.

"It’s not just about dogs that savage sheep. If it’s the 10th time that a sheep has been chased in an hour, the sheep will have a heart attack."

Warning signs are also displayed on information boards on the Downs.

She added: "The National Trust wants everyone, including dog walkers, to enjoy visiting the site but this does mean responsible dog ownership and that dogs must be kept on a short lead and under control when near sheep, so that they cannot chase or attack them."