A newborn lamb has died after it was attacked by a dog.

Peel police are investigating the incident, which happened at Archallagan on Monday.

They said: ’A lamb, only a few hours old, was badly maimed by a dog in the area of the Archallagan near to the greenway road. Unfortunately the lamb has not survived.

’The dog owner has ignored notices on the gates informing them to keep their dog under proper control and away from sheep.

’While we want everyone to enjoy the countryside, please respect agricultural livestock and their environment.’

Officers are urging dog owners to keep their pets on a lead while on countryside walks during lambing season.

’Members of the public were reminded that the lambing season comes with a risk to the animals’ welfare, with sheep miscarrying when worried by dogs, or being attacked, maimed and killed.’

Contact Peel police station on 842208.