MOTORISTS are being asked to take care after a steep rise in the number of sheep being killed on Ilkley Moor.

Richard Ellis, whose family have farmed Crag House, near Addingham for 50 years, says a record number of his sheep have been killed by motorists this year.

He said: "There has been a definite increase. We had a sheep a week killed for three weeks running."

Mr Ellis says the increase could have been caused by more motorists using the Moor Road to avoid road-works.

He said: "Certainly more cars have been using the top road as road-works take place on the lower road.

"They are often travelling at unbelievable speeds. If you try and slow them down they overtake you, even on a hill."

Mr Ellis also said that dog owners allowing their pets to chase sheep could be at fault.

He said: "People are not keeping their dogs on a lead. There are plenty of signs to warn them about sheep. There is a lot of bracken up there on the moor and the sheep are just running out."

If a sheep is killed, farmers are forced to find any orphaned lambs.

Often they are unable to make an insurance claim for the lost stock.

Mr Ellis said he was appealing to motorists to slow down and be more vigilant.

He said: "Just take care. Keep dogs on a lead, particularly in the morning."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police echoed the sentiments of Mr Ellis.

He said: "The number of deaths to sheep has increased on Hanging Stone Road, in Ilkley.

"This stretch of road is about one and a half miles through to Moor Lane at Burley Woodhead.

"Motorists should exercise caution in this area, particularly during lambing seasons. People should take a couple of minutes and drive a lot more slowly."

If anyone kills or injures a sheep they should notify the police.