Three pet sheep have been savaged to death by dogs.

Their horrified owner Elspeth Powell, from Little Missenden, near Amersham, who kept the animals for their wool, said: "These sheep were rather special they were part of the family. All three had been with me for several years and were going to stay quietly here until the end of their days."

The three sheep, called Dash, Ollaberry and Dee, were covered with bite wounds. One had its fleece torn off while a second was disembowelled in the attack at Vicarage Meadow, Little Missenden.

Mrs Powell added: "People do not realise the damage their dogs can do. They should make sure their animals are kept under control."

In July a national campaign was launched by the RSPCA, the National Farmers' Union and the National Sheep Association to highlight the problem of livestock worrying, calling on dog owners to exercise responsibility and help end the thousands of attacks that occur each year.

RSPCA chief inspector Doug Davidson is investigating the latest attack and urges people living in the area to be vigilant, particularly if they own livestock, and to keep their dogs under control.

Anyone with information about the attack should contact the RSPCA on (08705) 555999.