THE RSPCA fears thousands of hill sheep could suffer this autumn as a consequence of the foot-and-mouth crisis, as feed runs low and land is over-grazed.

If movement restrictions remain in place, older ewes will be exposed to the rigours of an extra winter and lambs, traditionally sold in autumn sales, will stay on the hills.

Feed may already be in short supply after farmers have been forced to give extra feed to sheep trapped by the restrictions and the situation could be made worse if sheep prices collapse, as happened in the autumn of 1999.

Now the RSPCA has written to the government calling for hill sheep to receive particular attention in the proposed forthcoming review of British agriculture.

At the society's recent annual meeting, members voted strongly in favour of a thorough review by the government of all the animal welfare implications of the modern food production industry.

Members also voted in favour of a motion calling on the government to encourage UK supermarkets to buy smaller hill lambs.

Before the foot-and-mouth outbreak, many of these animals were transported live to the continent, where there is a greater market for "light" lambs, but UK retailers prefer to buy larger animals.

Dr Martin Potter, head of the RSPCA's farm animals department, said: "It is absolutely essential that a review of livestock farming is carried out at the earliest opportunity and animal welfare is given the high priority it deserves.

"We are facing a very grave situation in this country with regard to the wellbeing of hill sheep. There is no doubt that many thousands of animals could be in danger this autumn and winter and we are pressing the government to give urgent attention to this issue before it is too late."