A SICKENED shepherd aims to snap irresponsible dog owners, after three more of his flock were savaged by out-of-control dogs roving the Malvern Hills.

Armed with a digital camera, Richard Smith is hoping to end the dog attacks, which the Evening News revealed had killed four sheep in January and a further three last month.

"I now have a digital camera, so if I do see a bad case of sheep worrying or attacks, we've got evidence for any compensation claims or to use for prosecuting evidence in the future, said Mr Smith."

Now, with planned "sheep fact" signs, combined with his photographic evidence, the 32-year-old, who manages the 360-strong flock for the Malvern Hills Conservators, hopes the worrying will come to an end.

"We had a bad week in March. Three sheep were killed by dogs. They had just been ripped apart," he said.

Under control

"The Conservators have agreed to put information signs in car parks to tell people about the role of the sheep and the importance of keeping dogs under control."

The sheep were reintroduced to common land grazing upon the hills after a break of around 50 years, because the hills and pathways were becoming clogged up and overgrown.

Mr Smith said the area had been "transformed", with the flock removing scrub and old grasses to help keep pathways clear for walkers, while encouraging flowers to flourish.

"It is only a small minority of dog owners spoiling it for everyone else. People need to make sure their dogs are under control," he said.

David Whitehorn, conservation officer for the Conservators, said the information boards were still in the pipeline, but added that consultants were currently working on designs.

"We hope an information board at British Camp will show people why we need sheep to graze the hills and hopefully it will give people the bigger picture," he said.

"It is all very well telling people to keep dogs under control, but we're now looking at ways to inform people rather than to instruct them."