EIGHTEEN sheep have been mauled to death by dogs in 24 hours near Inglewood, prompting police to warn they will shoot on sight any dogs found on private properties.In the first attack, on Sunday morning at a farm at Wet Lane, just south of the town, 15 sheep were killed and 27 injured. The second attack was yesterday morning at a farm in Old Inglewood. Three sheep were killed.“If dogs are caught on a properties they will be shot and the owner of the dog will be prosecuted for the damage done and any loss of income,” Sergeant Geoff Storey said.One witness reported seeing “big black dogs” in the area.Sergeant Storey said it was likely that the 27 injured sheep would be destroyed, given the stress they would have suffered.“It’s fair to say the death toll will climb.“Given the line of the location and where the properties are, we’re pres-uming that they are the same dogs.“We want to get the message out that people need to be responsible for their dogs.“People have let their dogs run and do whatever they want and they’ve caused a fair bit of carnage.“Farmers are already under a lot of pressure and this means more frustration for them, especially given the price of sheep at the moment.“Eighteen is a big number to lose in 24 hours.”Anyone with any information can contact Inglewood police on 5438 3200.