By Shaun Wilson

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A rescue dog owned by Jonny Depp allegedly mauled two sheep to death after breaking free from its lead during a walk near the actor’s rented manor in East Sussex.

The Bullmastiff named Bourbon is said to have ran from a handler before attacking the livestock near the £12,000-a-month country home.

The actor, 62, is understood to have been away from the property at the time but has since hired a professional dog trainer and taken other measures to prevent a recurrence, The Sun reports.

Farmer Joe Ginger was described as being “devastated” and “understandably furious” at the attack on his sheep.

He said: “I take my work and my sheep very seriously, it is my business. It is a serious matter.”

A source said attacks on livestock are all-too-common, with many pet owners unaware of the dangers to sheep when they take leads off dogs in the countryside.

They added: “Johnny was not at the house at the time, and his aide was walking the dog. He broke free and went after the sheep. Two were killed. It was all very traumatic.”

Depp is understood to have only recently moved into the East Sussex mansion, which dates to the mid-1800s.

The house includes sweeping landscaped gardens enclosed around a wall. It is also situated near the former home of Depp’s late friend, the guitarist Jeff Beck.

The farm and surrounding land where the sheep were killed is believed to be owned by the same landlord who rents out the mansion.

The animals are estimated by a smallholder to be worth around £180 each. Dog attacks on sheep are not uncommon in the area.

Depp has previously found himself in trouble over his animals. In 2015, he and his then-wife Amber Heard illegally took their two Yorkshire terriers Boo and Pistol with them to Australia by private jet, without obtaining a permit.

The pets faced being euthanised in 72 hours unless they were removed from the country.

Representatives for Depp have been approached for comment.