A farmer who has experienced five attacks on her sheep by out-of-control dogs in just six months has spoken of her fury.

The farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, had to have one animal put down and pay for veterinary treatment for three others.

The fourth was killed in an attack.

“I can’t express the damage it does,” she said. “We feel anger and frustration. It’s heartbreaking. The sheep are very friendly and to see what they’ve gone through is just horrid.”

Signs issued by Dorset Police are displayed around the Long Bredy farm, instructing dog owners to keep their pets on a lead.

Despite this, it is the fifth time dogs have attacked sheep on the farm.

The first incident took place in February, with the rest during the summer months. All took place overnight.

"As soon as you see them in the morning you just think 'oh no, not again.' It's horrid to see them in that way. It is our livelihood and it is very costly to pay for vet bills.

"I would say to people to keep their dogs on a lead at all times and if you do let them off, keep them in sight. Know where your dog is all of the time."

Fellow farmer David Legg knows how it feels to experience an attack on livestock.

In 2012, one of his sheep had its belly ripped open and another died after being attacked by the throat in West Bay.

Mr Legg said: "It's still happening all of the time. It's ridiculous that people don't understand their dogs and let them run wild.

"It's completely devastating when you find that your sheep have been ripped to shreds.

"We're not forcing people to keep their dogs on leads but check there are no sheep around first and keep an eye on them. Be sensible. This is our livelihood and we don't do it for fun. It's hard work at the best of times."

Dorset Police confirmed officers were called to a farm in Long Bredy.

A spokesman said: "This has happened to the same sheep owner in Long Bredy area five times recently so please, if you are a dog owner, keep your dogs on a lead and away from livestock."

According to the National Farmers Union South West, dog owners have a responsibility to keep their pets away from livestock.

A spokesman said: “I think clearly this illustrates that there is a problem. We advise owners out with their dogs to keep them on a lead. Sometimes in fields people might think there is no livestock and it’s okay to let their dogs off a lead but they shouldn’t do this unless they’re 100 per cent sure. Owners have a responsibility.”

He added it not only severely impacts the farmers but it can result in the death of the dog.

He said: “It can have a severe effect on farmers who have to worry about the financial loss and it can be dangerous for the dogs as well. If a farmer catches a dog in the act it can be shot.”