MAGISTRATES have ordered the destruction of two dogs which killed more than 30 lambs at a farm near Leominster.

Charles Ross-Robertson, 65, of Stanton Lacy, near Ludlow, appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court today to be sentenced, having previously pleaded guilty to two counts of owning a dangerous dog out of control causing no injury.

Armed police were called in after the two dogs caused carnage on a farm in Risbury in September last year. More than 35 lambs were killed or injured in the attack, while others remained missing.

It prompted police and the young farmer left devastated after the attack on his flock to urge dog owners of the appalling toll pets can wreak on livestock.

Tom Hadley, who was renting the land, believed the incident would have cost him thousands of pounds and would have been responsible for losing a breeding line.

The court heard the sheep were bought by Mr Hadley's family as a 21st birthday present at a cost of around £20,000.

In mitigation, the court was told that security was in place at the farm but a handyman had left the door open which is how the dogs were able to get out.

At today's sentencing, magistrates ordered Ross-Robertson to pay £3,500 in compensation to Mr Hadley.

They also ordered the destruction of the two dogs - although this will not be activated until the end of an appeal period.