POLICE investigating two animal attacks have issued a renewed appeal to trace the owners of a lurcher-type dog involved in at least one of the incidents.

Two lambs were killed on a farm in Neasham, near Darlington, on Monday evening.

Following that incident, a brindle-coloured female lurcher was recovered and is currently being looked after in kennels.

Officers yesterday released a new photograph of the dog that is believed to have been used in the most recent attack.

A youth was questioned in connection with the incident after voluntarily attending a police station on Wednesday.

Although he was not arrested, he was interviewed under caution and has been helping police with their inquiries.

PC John Forster, of Darlington police, is still keen to hear from three youths suspected of involvement.

They are described as white teenage males, all of slim build.

PC Forster said: “We have had about ten calls from members of the public already, which is a positive thing.

“Each of them has given accurate information and I am confident of getting a breakthrough soon.

“We will get to the bottom of this, but so far we have not had anyone get in touch to say who that dog belongs to.”

Police and the RSPCA are still investigating an incident on farmland near The Northern Echo Darlington Arena, in January, in which a dog attacked and killed a deer.

RSPCA inspector Garry Palmer said: “These similar thing with these two incidents is that lurcher-type dogs have been let off their leads and allowed to kill indiscriminately.

“People are losing their livestock, which can have a huge impact on farmers trying to protect both their livelihoods and their animals.

“To those people that think it is just sport, it is not. It is out-and-out cruelty.

“A lamb is a defencless animal, why should it meet its end like that?”

If anyone recognises this dog, or wants to reclaim it, I would urge them to get in touch.”

Anyone with information that could help either investigation is asked can call either police or the RSPCA.

For the RSPCA, call Mr Palmer on 0300-1234-999. Information can be left anonymously.

Alternatively, call PC Forster, on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.