Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets under control following a rise in attacks on sheep across the county.

Fourth-generation farmer John Dinnis, who runs a mixed farm near Sevenoaks, has lost more than 20 sheep to dog attacks over the years.

He said: “Sadly the situation has been getting worse.

“There was a big rise in dog ownership in lockdown and many people do not understand what can happen in the countryside when they do not have control of their dogs.

“It does have a financial impact on the business but the animal welfare issue is the main concern.

“It is really awful to see the animals suffer in this way and it is upsetting for the pet owners who just did not expect their dog was capable of such things.”

Last year, KentOnline reported how three sheep were killed following a brutal dog attack at a farm in Halstead, near Sevenoaks.

Around a month later a sheep in Lordswood, near Chatham, was found bleeding after it had been bitten by a husky.

An owner was also ordered to pay £5,000 compensation after more than 60 of Verity Garrett’s flock were discovered either dead or injured at Elbridge Farm, Canterbury, due to a dog attack.

Now, as lambing season starts, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has teamed up with Kent Police and Kent Trading Standards to urge pet owners to keep their dogs under control.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, from the rural task force, said: “As well as the suffering caused to sheep, attacks can lead to huge financial losses for farmers.

“Officers carry DNA testing kits to swab animals that have been attacked, allowing them to identify the dog responsible.

“The majority of dog owners do take care around livestock but it is extremely important to follow signs and stick to footpaths.”

Livestock worrying, which includes barking, chasing, biting and killing, is a criminal offence and dog owners could be liable for prosecution or a fine.

Under the Animals Act 1971, a dog could be shot if caught in the act by a landowner.