A DOG owner from Edington is warning people to keep their pets on a tight leash after his pedigree Dalmatians were shot by a farmer who caught them attacking his sheep.

Brother and sister George and Daisy, both 14 months, were shot by Jonathan Corp on land near Upper Baynton Farm on January 12.

Their owner Clive Woods said he is distraught to lose the £500 animals.

He said: "If there is anything I can do to stop other dogs being shot I will do it.

"They did chase the sheep and kill one but we are

devastated to lose them." Mr Woods' partner Samantha Cardus was walking Daisy and George along Salisbury Hollow above the village.

The dogs were out of sight when she heard three shots and a squeal.

Mr Woods said: "I can understand why the farmer did it but it has wrecked our family and it feels like two of our children have been taken away.

"I have not yet been able to tell my nine-year-old daughter about it she will be devastated.

"I would warn any dog owners to always keep their dogs on a lead if there are sheep around and to watch out and be very wary.

"We realise that the dogs did wrong but I hoped there were better ways to deal with these things other than shooting them.

"If I can get farmers and dog owners together in the future so they can talk to each other and be clear about where everyone stands then at least I will have done something."

PC Lee Poolman, of Westbury police, attended the farm following a call from Mr Corp. PC Poolman said: "The farmer was quite within his rights to shoot the dogs.

"The law states that if dogs worry sheep in any way then farmers are within their rights to shoot them."

The Wiltshire Times tried to contact Mr Corp but he was unavailable for comment.

George had recently been entered into a national competition to find the Coolest Canine after he climbed over several kitchen appliances to reach a frozen chicken on top of a fridge.