AN Otley dog owner whose dog attacked a flock of sheep, killing four lambs, has been ordered to pay more than £800 in compensation to the owner.

Steve Young, 43, of Crow Lane, Otley, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court today after pleading guilty to sheep worrying.

His 14-month-old Alaskan Malamute escaped from a business premises in Dacre, Nidderdale, and ran into a field of ewes and lambs. A witness described seeing a dog attacking a lamb and throwing it around.

Young said he was shocked and stated that the dog must have run out of a side door of the business premises. He maintained that the dog was not capable of attacking the sheep but was “playing” with them.

He apologised to the farmer and offered to pay costs.

Young was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £808.27 for the value of the animals and the costs incurred.