POLICE are appealing for information after eight sheep were found dead and several others injured after being attacked by a dog near Bromsgrove.

Four sheep were found dead at a farm in the Chadwich area on February 10 and 11, and another two were found dead at the same farm on February 15. A farmer in Belbroughton also reported finding two dead sheep on February 13, with another two being discovered alive, but with blood on them.

PC Jason Hynes, of Hagley police, said: "A large yellow-coloured dog, possibly a Great Dane/Labrador cross, has been seen in the area. This is lambing season and all of the sheep were pregnant. Even sheep which are not physically attacked can abort their lambs through stress, so naturally the farmers are very concerned."

He added: "The farmers are aware that they are justified in shooting dogs worrying their livestock, as happened in Wolverley, near Kidderminster, a month ago.

"We would like to remind dog owners they are responsible for ensuring their pet is kept under control and on a lead around livestock."

Owners or anyone else who is in charge of the dog could be committing an offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 if livestock are attacked. Anyone who knows who the dog belongs to is asked to call Hagley police on 08457 444888.