A farmer is pleading with dog owners to keep their pets on a lead around livestock, after seven of his sheep were “maimed and killed” in a dog attack.

NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board chairman Wyn Evans, who farms at Tyn Y Graig near Aberystwyth, said seven of his ewes were killed and a further five sheep injured in a dog attack on New Year’s Eve.

Two black “lurcher type dogs” were seen with the sheep before running away.

Dyfed Powys Police’s Ceredigion Rural Crime Team are currently investigating the incident.

Mr Evans said: “I can appreciate that many people take great joy in walking their dog in Wales’ beautiful countryside. I also recognise that exercise is particularly important for people’s physical and mental health during this time of lockdown.

“However, I plead with dog owners to please keep their dog on a lead around livestock to avoid distressing incidents like the one that has occurred on our farm in recent days.

“Sheep farming is more than a livelihood for our family. We have responsibility for the welfare of every animal we have on the farm.

“To see our pregnant ewes maimed and killed in this manner has been a very upsetting experience for us. It is something no farmer should have to go through.

“Please act responsibly and keep your dog on a lead when livestock are nearby.”

In a statement, posted on Facebook, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Were you in the area on that day? If you have any information that could assist us with our investigation, then please contact the Ceredigion Rural Crime Team on 101. Diolch.

“This is a timely reminder, especially as we are approaching lambing season that it is vital that all dog owners keep their dogs under control and on a lead.

“These incidents can and should be avoided.”

Mr Evans stressed the importance of farmers reporting incidents of this nature.

“I am keen to virtually meet with Dyfed-Powys’ police and crime commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, to discuss how the force can better work with the farming industry to ensure those whose irresponsible actions lead to distress, injury and deaths of livestock are correctly identified and that appropriate action is taken against them.”

A range of resources to support NFU Cymru members in the event of a dog attack as well as to help encourage dog walkers to walk their dogs responsibly on farmland, is available on www.nfu-cymru.org.uk.