A FATHER has appealed for dog owners to ensure their animals are kept under control after a family pet was killed.

John Lewis, from Langton, near Gainford, said his six-year-old son, Kieron, has been left traumatised by the death of one of the family's chickens.

The chicken was killed by two dogs that had escaped from a neighbouring property.

Another chicken belonging to Mr Lewis' family was injured by the collies, who also worried sheep in a nearby field.

Mr Lewis has also urged people who see dogs running loose to report them to police.

He said: "We called the dog warden out who was saying it's a big problem as it's hardly ever reported.

"This was absolutely awful as our little six-year-old boy witnessed the whole thing and it was his favourite pet chicken.

"Fortunately, they didn't kill any of the sheep, but they were left panting in the field after it was all over.

"In this part of the world where there's so much agriculture, it's very important that dogs are kept on a lead."

Sergeant Bill Dutton, of Barnard Castle Police, said the dogs had escaped from a yard which was enclosed by a 6ft wall by jumping on to the roof of their kennel and then jumping over the wall.

He said: "The offence in this case is if there's negligence to keep the dogs under control.

"But you can't say they have been negligent where there's a 6ft wall.

"However, we have advised the owners to put a pitched roof on the kennel to stop this happening again."

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "Dog owners in the countryside have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control for the welfare of other animals and their pets and also other people.

"Dogs can cause an awful lot of damage and it is important that what is essentially a privilege is not abused.

"When sheep are chased in lambing season it can cause them to abort which is an awful sight and you do hear of farmers who will take steps to protect their sheep if they are being chased.