A savage dog attack which killed seven baby lambs at a farm in Chalfont St Giles last week could cost a farmer up to £1,000 and has led to calls for a change in the law.

Edward Mogford had four lambs – all just over a week old – killed in the attack at Bowstridge Farm last Thursday with three more dying from their injuries since.

The farmer, who said he will take legal action over last week’s attack, had two of his lambs killed at the same time last year and said the attacks are having a “devastating” effect on his farm.

These incidents, which happened in peak lambing season, are not uncommon according to Chalfont St Giles resident who claims he’s experienced four or five similar attacks each year since he started renting the farm over ten years ago.

Mr Mogford also reiterated his previous warning to owners that he would shoot out-of-control dogs in order to protect his livestock.

He said: “The attack was very fast. It was grabbing the lambs and tossing them up into the air. They were being thrown around like rag dolls.

“It couldn’t have come at a worse time as the lambs are only about 10 days old.

“This is having a devastating effect on the farm. The way the market is farms are on the edge of profitability as it is.”

Mr Mogford, who has a flock of around 750 breeding ewes which produce about 1,400 lambs each year, is clear on what needs to be done to address the problem.

“It about spreading awareness of the importance of people keeping their dogs under control,” he added. “95 per cent of people do.

“Educating dog owners to keep their animals under control, especially in fields with livestock, is essential.

“If this means legislation requiring dogs to be on a lead in fields with sheep in, then so be it.

“We have put sighs back up begging people to keep their dogs under control but - as with last year - some have been ripped down.

“I’m left with little choice. In the future any dog found worrying the sheep will be shot.”