ARMED police had to put down a severely injured pig after it was savaged by its owner’s own dogs.

A lamb was also put to sleep later by a vet after livestock at Morse Lane in Drybrook were chased and attacked.

Another lamb, four sheep and a second pig also needed treatment for injuries after the dogs were finally brought under control by their owner.

A police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 10.45am on Tuesday, May 22, Gloucestershire Constabulary received a report of two dogs running loose on land in Drybrook where they were chasing and attacking livestock.

“Firearms officers were deployed, but were stood down when the dogs were brought under control by their owner.

“One pig was humanely dispatched because of the severity of its injuries.

“Officers are speaking to the dogs’ owner, who is also the owner of the livestock, giving security advice. No criminal offences have been reported at this time.”

Dogs can be legally shot by farmers if they attack or chase livestock, while armed police have weapons to humanely kill injured animals.