A well-known farmer in the west of the Island is expressing great disappointment that a dog has been allowed to savage a sheep, in an attack which led to the animal having to be put down.

John Kennaugh says owners are well aware of the damage dogs can do and are frequently warned of the possible consequences, but still let their animals run free.

Mr Kennaugh says dogs are natural predators and, irrespective of how well they behave in a domestic situation, it can be a completely different story when they are let loose in an environment where there are sheep (play attached audio file):

The ewe was found in a distressed state, unable to move, on the coastal path just north of Peel headlands at about 10am yesterday, and the attack happened in a field nearby.

The animal, a pedigree Texel ewe, had won first reserve at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show in 2006.

Anybody who can help identify the dog or the owner is asked to ring Police Headquarters on 631212, or the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.