A FARMER today appealed for local pet owners to keep their animals under control after two sheep were savaged and killed by dogs just weeks after an entire flock was culled because of foot and mouth.

Jan Shuttleworth, 31, runs the 75-acre North Holme Farm in Earby, Pendle, with father Stuart.

But the family were horrified to discover a sheep and a lamb with their throats ripped out yesterday.

The sheep had already died from horrific injuries while the lamb died despite the efforts of a vet.

Jane said: "The incident happened at 8.30am and there were two dogs in the field, both Spaniel size, one black and one brown.

"They ripped the throat from one sheep and the other had been attacked at the throat and was struggling to breathe. We got the vet but it died as he was attending to it."

Jane added: "We lost 150 sheep and our cattle through a contiguous cull because of foot and mouth.

"We recently restocked with sheep. It was too late to get them into lamb but we bought 23 which were in lamb.

"Now we have lost one and are worried about the affect this may have on the rest of them."

Jane appealed to local residents to keep their dogs under control. She said a friend told her the dogs had been seen running on to the North Holme estate.

She said: "Over the years we have had problems with dogs but not for some time. The problem tends to be when you get two or more. People may think they are just pets and could not do something like this. But when they get together it can happen. You cannot blame the dogs, it is just instinct."

Jane added: "I am worried they may come back. I am very distressed about it, especially on top of the foot and mouth crisis last year.

"You keep on thinking that things are at last begining to get back to normal then something else happens."

The incident has been reported to police. Anyone with any information can contact them on 01282 425001.