TEENAGERS with dogs have carried out a number of violent attacks on farm livestock in the Darlington area.

The incidents occurred during the Easter school holidays and farmers have warned that they are prepared to give evidence in court should any of the wrongdoers be arrested.

The incidents occurred on farmland stretching from Barmpton, near the Whinfield estate, on the edge of Darlington, to Brafferton village.

Brian Pavey, co-ordinator of Countryside Crime Watch (CRW), a rural Neighbourhood Watch group, said: "In one incident, we had sheep deliberately attacked by dogs which were in the company of youths.

"One lamb had to be put down because it was so badly injured.

"Chickens have also been subjected to the same deliberate attacks and we have had hares killed with weapons, believed to be air rifles.

"We believe some of the people involved in these attacks were aged 13 to 14 and it is always a problem during school holidays."

CRW works closely with the police and mounts regular surveillance operations to gather information about trespassers on farmland.

Mr Pavey, a Darlington gamekeeper, said details of the incidents had been passed to police officers, who were investigating.

He said: "The farmers are prepared to stand their ground if someone is arrested and they are prepared to go to court to give evidence.

"We need to make an example of people who are doing this. With the summer holidays coming up, we need to address what has been happening.

"These young people have been acting because of a joy of killing, which is sick."

Mr Pavey has written a letter to one comprehensive school, which he believes some of the wrongdoers may attend, asking staff to raise the matter with pupils.

He said pupils needed to be aware that CRW members were in constant communication with each other and the police, and that incidents would be quickly reported.

Mr Pavey said farmers had a legal right to shoot dead any animal seen harassing livestock.