AN ELDERLY farming couple have made a plea to dog owners after their sheep were savaged for a second time.

Norman and Norma Wilson, of Low Doctor Pasture Farm in Wolsingham, said they have been sickened by the attacks, which left 14 of their sheep dead, some of which have had their throats ripped out.

The couple say they have never experienced such a savage attack in all the years they have been farming and they have appealed for dog owners to keep a closer eye on their pets when walking them.

Mr Wilson said: "The attacks have been late evening after dark. We think there is enough evidence to point to the fact that there is more than one dog.''

Mrs Wilson said: "This has happened twice within a month. They have killed seven this time and many more have been bitten and are terrified.''

Their plea comes as police expressed concern about the rise in sheep worrying cases in the Dales over the past six months.

More than 30 sheep have been injured and 18 have been killed in incidents in an area between Wolsingham and Stanhope. A further case was reported in which sheep were killed at a farm in Evenwood, two weeks ago.

Several of the animals at Low Doctor Pasture Farm were pregnant ewes and Mr and Mrs Wilson say they believe more could die as a result of their ordeal.

Mr Wilson said: "A lot will have suffered shock as a result and the aftermath could lead to some of the ewes aborting their lambs."

Mrs Wilson added: "We just want all dog owners to be more careful and to keep their pets under control. No-one knows what their dogs do when they are out of sight.''

Earlier this week PC Ian Craggs, from Crook Police, said: "Too many people still mistakenly think when they see dogs in fields that they are only playing, but the sheep have been chased, bitten and in many cases had their throats ripped out.

"Farmers are also aware that in law they are entitled to shoot dogs found worrying livestock, although they are very reluctant to do this.''