A goat was mauled to death and another badly hurt in a savage dog attack.

It is the third such incident in a month - and now people have been told to keep their animals inside.

The male goats were tethered on the back edge of Gerry Wilmot's farm, on Farm Lane, Warwick when they were attacked during the night.

One goat's head was so badly chewed - and its leg injured - that it needed to be put to sleep to spare it further pain.

Veterinarian George Heslop said: “The other one has its leg chewed about a bit. That one will be alright.”

He added: “If goats are tethered out, they can be a big temptation to dogs. Goats tethered out are fairly easy meat”.

The attack occurred on Friday night and Dr. Heslop went to the scene at 8 a.m. the next day.

It is thought a pair of vicious dogs may be responsible. They are also suspected in the February 5 killing of two rabbits, two sheep and two goats at the nearby Windreach Recreational Village.

“It could be the same dog that did both,” Dr. Heslop said. “Usually when they attack goats there are one or two dogs. One leads the other.”

Environmental Protection have taken DNA samples from the goats. They will use this saliva to cross reference it with DNA from other dogs in the neighbourhood.

The dogs responsible could be put to sleep when they are found, said Dr. Heslop.

“If the dog just escaped and has not done it before, then the owner will have to pay the damages. But if it is doing it habitually, it might have to be put to sleep.”

Mr. Wilmot said he was very upset about the attack.

“One of the goats could not get up. I import my animals. They are not locally bred.”

He said he imported the goats from Texas and Boston.

“I know it was two dogs, pit bulls, I asked them to be caged up six months ago. I told them this was going to happen.”

On March 3, two horses were attacked by a pit bull at a West Side Road, Sandys home. The male horse suffered a ripped testicle and injuries to its snout. The female horse, expected to give birth this week, suffered severe injuries to her side.

Yesterday Government vet Jonathan Nisbett advised the public to keep their animals secure behind fences and gates. And he asked dog-owners to secure their dogs properly.

“Untethered dogs escape. Check their collars and chains please”.