READERS had their say after a farmer found 29 dead lambs in one of his fields.

Calls have been made for leashes and muzzles on dogs around livestock after lambs mauled near Milnthorpe.

Mail readers have given their opinion on the incident and how further attacks can be prevented.

Jo Twigden said: “Absolutely all dogs should be on a lead. It’s the owners who should be punished if they don’t have their dog on a lead.

“We have witnessed dog owners who refused to put their dogs on a lead around our sheep, it’s downright ignorance.

“Sheep get worried around dogs and it can kill them.

“I have no respect for dog owners who have their dogs off a lead around livestock.

“They wouldn’t like it if their dog died, so they should understand it’s not acceptable for their dogs to kill our lambs and sheep.”

Anthony Perkins said: “No dog, no matter how well trained, soft, soppy and well mannered it may be around other animals, can be trusted around livestock as it can easily turn on a flock of sheep, cows or other livestock by chasing snapping, biting or attacking as they have a natural instinct to chase them – they are seen as prey by the dog.”

Lordy Jason Edward Wood said: “Sheep more than often die of heart attacks around dogs, however with cows and bulls the dogs can be trampled.”

Lori Boo Robbo said: “All dogs should be kept on a lead near livestock, and owners should act responsibly.”

David Hutton said: “Does that mean it’s the end for the working sheepdog?”