A FARMER has warned dog walkers to keep their animals on leads or else risk them being shot.

The chilling message comes after three lambs were killed in fields behind the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).

Nicola Rivers, whose husband Harvey owns Park Farm, said out-of-control dogs jumped over electric fences and killed the lambs in three separate attacks this week.

She said the attacks are a common occurrence, and warned dog owners that if their animals are caught chasing sheep, farmers are legally entitled to shoot them.

Nicola said: "Two of our lambs were killed outright and another had to be put down because of its injuries, after they were attacked by dogs this week.

"We didn't see the attacks ourselves, but witnesses saw a husky jump the electric fence and chase the sheep on Sunday and two spaniels do the same on Monday.

"This is an ongoing issue, especially in the fields behind UCA, and our sheep are typically attacked 12 times a year, despite signs telling dog owners to keep their animals on leads.

"It.s very upsetting to see our lambs in such a bad condition, and it threatens our livelihood. Put simply, if we catch dogs chasing our sheep, they will be shot."