A SHEEP was “brutally” killed and two others injured after being attacked by a dog at a beauty spot.

Dog owners are being called upon to keep their pets on a lead after the incident at Landport Bottom Nature Reserve in Lewes.

The sheep, which is thought to have been attacked on December 3, had its throat ripped out.

Witnesses to the attack are being urged to contact police.

The site’s shepherd, Charlotte Streeter, said it was “totally gutting” to see the animal attacked.

She said: “I am so upset by the amount of sheep worrying and attacks we have had this year.

“If dog owners could just read the signage provided and keep dogs on leads around the livestock as it is totally gutting seeing an animal you have cared for since it was born be brutally attacked and killed.”

The Lewes District Council-owned site has had more dog attacks this year than any since signs were introduced 12 years ago.

The council installed the signs to let dog walkers know that there were sheep grazing in the field and that dogs should be kept on leads.

The Neighbourhood First team is also increasing patrols in the area.

READ MORE: Dog terrorises livestock and kills sheep in vicious attack

Councillor Julie Carr, cabinet member for recycling, waste and open spaces, said: “This was a horrific attack and dog owners must stop this happening.

“Due to Covid-19 restrictions, many more people have been exploring their local countryside which is a great thing but has brought problems too.

“Dogs have sometimes been allowed to roam free in areas where they should be kept on a lead, with owners not necessarily realising the risk of harm to farm animals.

“It is important to realise that even well-behaved dogs may need to be kept on a lead for all or part of walks in the countryside to keep livestock and wildlife safe.

“Sheep are natural prey to dogs, who will chase them.

“Some of the sheep at Landport Bottom and in other parts of the Downs are pregnant at this time of year and the stress of being chased can cause them to abort their lambs.

“Allowing a dog to chase a sheep, never mind kill it, is illegal.

“If anyone sees this happening anywhere in our countryside they should report it to the police.”

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Councillor Matthew Bird, cabinet member for sustainability, said: “As a local resident I know how much Landport Bottom is valued and how saddened residents are at this wholly preventable attack.

“Dog owners should obey signs at all times to prevent any more unnecessary sheep deaths.

“It is really important that Landport Bottom is grazed because the sheep are restoring the area to flower-rich chalk grassland, making this a rare habitat not only for the UK, but also globally”