AN elderly farming couple have issued an appeal to dog owners after a second attack on their sheep flock in a month.

Norman and Norma Wilson, from Low Doctor Pasture Farm, in Wolsingham, said they have been sickened by the attacks, which left 14 of their flock dead.

The couple said that they had never experienced such a savage attack on their livestock in all the years they had been farming. They appealed for dog owners to keep their pets under proper control.

Mr Wilson said: "The attacks have been in 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 in the past six months. More than 30 animals have been injured and 18 killed in an area between Wolsingham and Stanhope.

A further incident was reported in which sheep were killed at a farm in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, two weeks ago.

Several of the savaged animals at Low Doctor Pasture Farm were pregnant ewes, and Mr and Mrs Wilson 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.

"We don't know who these dogs belong to, but we think they have just been let out as a short cut for exercise."

Last week, PC Ian Craggs, of 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."

Anyone with information can call police on (01388) 762011.