A SHEEP was put down after sustaining horrendous wounds in a vicious attack.

The animal was on a farm near Bream and was attacked around noon on Monday, December 18.

The side of the nine-month-old Charollais shearling was ripped open from its shoulder to its stomach.

Pictures of the wounds have been seen by the Review but they are too graphic to publish.

The farmer who owns the sheep said he “hopes” the attack was carried out by a dog or dogs.

He was alerted by a “distraught” neighbour who found the sheep after the attack.

The animal was initially taken to a vet in Lydney and then to the farmer’s regular vet in Monmouth where he was advised it should be put down.

The farmer, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “My neighbour came to me and they were distraught at what had happened.

“I took it to Lydney because I knew I would have to do something quickly if we were to save it.

“They said it should be put down but because they did not treat large animals I took it to my vet in Monmouth,

“I had to hold it while it was put to sleep.”

The farmer has some 20 sheep and the one which was attacked was parted from the rest and was trapped in a corner between two fences.

None of the other sheep were injured during the incident

“She was being eaten alive, I can’t understand how something like this can happen.

“I am not angry, I am very, very sad that it suffered so much.

“I keep the sheep in now because I’m too nervous to let them out.

“If it was a dog, it will have the taste for it. I hope it was a dog or two dogs that did it and I want to stop it happening again.”

The attack was one of a number inflicted on sheep across Gloucestershire in recent weeks.

PC Ashley Weller, rural and economic crime officer with Gloucestershire Police, said: “Anyone identified letting their dog off the lead resulting in an attack or worrying incident will be dealt with by the police and compensation will be sought for the farmer.”

Anyone with information about incidents where dogs have been allowed to worry sheep should call Gloucestershire Police on 101.