LURCHERS who savaged 10 lambs must be muzzled and kept on leads, magistrates ruled.
The Stroud bench heard how Rhona Fox's pet lurchers Ruby and Puppy ran off for five to six hours and after she couldn't get them back, farmer David Dunlop found 10 lambs dead at Sallywood Farm, Horsley.
Mrs Fox, 65, of The Street, Horsley, immediately apologised and paid Mr Dunlop £600 compensation, the court was told on Monday.
Two worrying livestock charges were dropped in favour of formal cautions, but dog control orders were imposed.
"The dogs got away from her when she was out in local fields," said prosecutor Teresa Perry. "When she tried to get them back they ignored her and disappeared for five to six hours.
"The dogs ran wild in a field containing ewes and lambs. Eight lambs were found dead on April 7 and two more subsequently died.
"Mr Dunlop saw two dogs and made inquiries as to who owned them. He went to her home, and he commended her for admitting it was her dogs.
"It appears it was one unfortunate day and the dogs have not taken heed of her instructions."
Mrs Fox initially pleaded guilty to two charges of a dog worrying livestock, but those charges were subsequently withdrawn.
After attending Stroud police station next door to accept a formal caution, the two civil charges of not keeping a dog under proper control were proceeded with.
The bench agreed with the prosecution's request that grey lurcher Ruby and brown Poppy must be muzzled and kept on leads.
Mrs Fox, who was unrepresented, did not comment in open court.
She does not have a criminal record because of the cautions and the dog control orders are covered by civil law.
After the case, Mr Dunlop said Mrs Fox was very co-operative.
"We saw the dogs doing it and when we went to see her and said we just thought they were her dogs, she confirmed they were and she was very apologetic and paid compensation.
"I know these things should not happen, but in the circumstances she was very co-operative."