A 17-YEAR-OLD farmer says he has been forced to move his flock of sheep to a different patch of land because he believes three were savaged by dogs.

George Simnett has been rearing animals since he was 13 years old but says the spate of attacks has made him reconsider the future of his business.

Police are now investigating the incidents, which all happened in a field off Ashby Road, Melbourne, and officers are appealing for dog owners to keep their pets on leads.

The latest killing was discovered by George last Friday when one of his prize-winning ewes was found in the corner of a field with its limbs missing.

He said: "The sheep were all found in different parts of the field but all look like they have been cornered.

"The first one found had its legs and neck torn apart and there were bite marks all over it. It was a similar story with the second one and third ones, which were both in a right mess and had obviously suffered."

The first animal – a Portland ewe – was found badly injured on August 8 and was later put down by a vet.

Then on August 26, a second sheep was found dead. This time it was one of the young farmer's brown fleeced Hebridean lambs. The animal was lying hidden in a hollow and may have been dead for two or three days. The most recent death was discovered on Friday.

George, who also rears chickens and other livestock, added: "Not only is it very distressing to find my sheep in this state, it is also affecting my livelihood and losing me money.

"As all the deaths happened within the space of a few weeks I have moved the sheep on to different land because I'm worried it might happen again.

"If anyone is out walking their dogs where livestock is grazing I would urge them to keep their pets on a lead."

George, whose grandfather ran a farm in the grounds of Elvaston Castle, rents the land from the Moult family who have owned the field for more than 20 years.

William Moult, 55, said the family had not been aware of any similar incident. "It is obviously very upsetting for everyone involved and we want to ensure that it doesn't happened again," he added.

A Derbyshire police spokesman confirmed the force was investigating the incidents.