A FARMER who lost four sheep to dog attacks in recent weeks is warning owners that dogs which target livestock can legally be shot.

Claire Rowberry is trying to make Great Buckman's Farm, off Lower Howsell Road, fully organic, with sheep and other livestock playing a vital role providing fertilising manure.

And she is urging dog walkers who use footpaths crossing the farm to keep pets under control - preferably on a lead.

As another measure to protect her livestock, she has acquired a llama, called Frank, to help fend off dogs.

As well as the dog attacks, electric fences holding in the farm's livestock had been damaged.

She said: "These attacks are very upsetting for us and for our shepherd.

"The last thing we wish to do is to shoot a pet dog, although this is the advice given to us by the police. Farmers have the right to shoot a dog in such circumstances.

"We do hope we will gain the understanding and cooperation of the local community as we convert to organic farming.

"The aim of reintroducing livestock to areas of the farm which have been previously arable for many years, means we can now work to improving the environment and natural wildlife, insects, birds and aquatic life.

"The whole farm is being converted to organic, but this will only be possible in reality with the help of livestock to graze and improve the soil fertility.

"The plan is also to introduce cows with calves at foot very soon, and the advice we would give walkers is: please keep to the official footpaths at all times to minimise disturbance to the livestock and keep safe.

"We are also aiming to put signs up to inform visitors to the farm of the presence of the sheep and cattle, and requesting that dogs are kept on leads when in the vicinity.

"Another idea we had was perhaps printing maps of the footpaths, so that people can see where the paths go and enjoy the route safely, knowing that they are also helping to protect the environment and wildlife.

"In the last few days we have introduced Frank the llama as sheep guardian and we once again hope that this will deter dogs and their owners from worrying the sheep," she said.

"The farm has been in the family for nearly 100 years so we are committed to looking after the land. We do hope that people will be supportive of the project as the benefits for all become more clear."