A LAMB had to be put down after it was separated from its mother and attacked by two dogs, a court heard.

Anthony Reid, 57, of Upper Llantrothy Farm, Dingestow, Monmouth, pleaded guilty to the unusual charge of being an owner of a dog worrying livestock.

Caerphilly Magistrates Court heard how Reid’s two short-haired whippets had somehow escaped from the family home while he was abroad.

Farmer Lyndon Edwards, who owns the neighbouring farm Lower Llantrothy with 72 cattle and 1,000 sheep, returned home on October 17 last year to find some of the ewes and lambs huddled together.

He told police two of the ewes were missing.

The court heard then his attention was drawn to a lamb nearby, which had two dogs around it biting and drawing blood.

Mr Edwards told his wife to get his gun out, said prosecutor Rhys Thomas and the dogs ran back to Reid’s home.

To prevent further suffering, the lamb had to be put to sleep.

On his return, Reid told police he owned the two dogs.

Defending, Craig Bond said the case was only accepted in relation to one of the sheep.

He told the court it was a “mystery” how the dogs had escaped from their home in the utility room.

Mr Bond added his client is being sued by his neighbour in relation to other incidents.

District judge Richard Williams ordered Reid to pay £95 compensation, made up of £78 to pay for the lamb and £17 to dispose of the carcass, £45 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.A conditional discharge was also imposed.

The fate of the dogs will be decided at the conclusion of the civil case.