Just days after Manx farmers pleaded with dog owners to keep their pets away from livestock, a dog has killed four sheep in the north of the island.

The attacks happened in the area of Glen Dhoo, just off the track that leads from Ballaugh Plantation. This is the third year in a row that sheep have been attacked and killed in this area.

A lamb was left orphaned.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) and the Manx National Farmers’ Union earlier this week launched an appeal about the issue.

Then Andrew Cooper, general secretary of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, said: ’We are extremely concerned by the growing issue of livestock worrying.

’We have had more than 40 cases reported in the last two years, varying from attacks on individual animals to farmers losing entire flocks.

’Losses suffered by farmers have been substantial, both in terms of emotional impact and financial costs.

’Owners may not think their family pet is capable of attacking another animal and, to owners, dogs’ behaviour may seem merely playful.

’However, it is dogs’ natural instinct to chase, so owners must keep them under proper control.

’In some circumstances, the law allows farmers to shoot dogs found attacking or seriously worrying livestock. They don’t like to, and fortunately it is a rare occurrence, but they take livestock welfare very seriously.’

To report sheep worrying contact the police or the dog warden 686688 (office hours) or 851672 (up to 8pm on weekdays or between 9am and noon on Saturdays).