SIX sheep were killed when they were forced into a river by a dog on the Earth Trust Farm in Little Wittenham.

The charity is now urging owners to keep their dogs on a lead around livestock.

Several sheep were pulled from the River Thames yesterday morning after being chased in by a loose dog. Five had already drowned and a sixth succumbed to shock and water inhalation overnight.

Church Meadow, at the foot of the Wittenham Clumps, is currently being grazed by 200 sheep and 25 cows and owners are urged to keep their dogs on leads when passing through this field.

Earth Trust Farm manager Chris Parker said: "It’s very distressing to see animals killed in this way, especially when the accident was completely avoidable.

"There are signs at every entrance to the meadow asking dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead whilst sheep are in this field.

"This is the second time in a week that sheep have been pulled from the river after being chased by dogs and, sadly, this time there were tragic consequences."

The flock is owned by shepherd Emma Blomfield, one of the trust’s Farm Step tenants. She has only recently relocated her business to the Earth Trust Farm and was shocked to receive the phone call reporting the incident.

She said: "I’m absolutely gutted. The sheep have been so happy grazing in Church Meadow over the last week – I’ve often found them hiding in the bushes and exploring the scrub. I’m devastated to have lost so many animals in one day."

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The trust said sheep are naturally flighty animals and easily spooked by dogs. This is not a problem when the dog is on a lead, as the sheep will stop running when they realise they are not being chased.

If the dog is off the lead then it’s another matter.

Ms Blomfield added: "It’s not the dog’s fault, I like dogs, but owners need to be more vigilant when walking through livestock as situations with even the most well-behaved dog can escalate quickly.

"Please, please keep your dog on a lead around sheep and other animals."

The rest of the flock will remain on Church Meadow for a short while longer and during this time dog walkers are asked to respect the request.

The sheep are moved around the farm to graze on different wildflower meadows throughout the year, providing vital habitat management along with a viable lamb business.

In a statement the trust said: "This flock are Emma’s livelihood and, as well as being extremely distressing, the incident has cost her upwards of £500."

Mr Parker added: "Grazing is a critical part of the management for the meadow, as it helps to keep it in the best condition for wildflowers to flourish, so it’s important we graze these meadows with sheep.

"The sheep can’t just be relocated to another field with no public access.

"It’s only for a short period of the year that we need to graze this field and for this time we simply ask that dogs to be kept on a lead when people are walking here.

"There are plenty of opportunities to allow your dog off the lead on other parts of the farm."