United Kingdom-18 Sheep killed by Dogs.

Dog owners reminded to keep animals under control after 18 sheep are killed on the Highclere Estate

AS NEW born lambs gambol across countryside in the area - including the Highclere Castle estate - dog owners are reminded of the need to keep their animals under control while out walking in the country.

With lambs frolicking in the spring sunshine across rural North Hampshire, farmers and land owners face an anxious time safeguarding their welfare include the Earl of Carnarvon, where sheep grazing on his 5,000 acres help to keep the length of grass down throughout the year.

"We had 18 sheep killed this year - mostly in one incident," said Lord Carnarvon, adding it was important for owners to keep their dogs on a lead when near to livestock, with many ewes currently in the late stages of pregnancy.

The pure bred Suffolk rams and Northern bred black ewes on the estate may come under increasing danger from attack by roaming dogs, if proposals to develop the estate get the go ahead, with a decision on enabling development due in October by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.