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Livestock worrying

A spate of dog attacks on farms across Britain has prompted anger from farmers who are continuing to deal with a crime which leaves a financial and emotional mark on the sector.

During one of the busiest times for the agricultural industry with lambing, police forces have been updating residents of countless incidents of livestock worrying over the last month where sheep have been left with life-altering injuries, and the death of livestock, because dogs were not on a lead.

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Officers have described how sheep were 'savaged' by dogs and how pregnant ewes were killed just weeks before giving birth.

West Yorkshire Police

The pain of dog attacks on livestock and farmers never gets any easier, according to officers in West Yorkshire.

Six pregnant ewes were 'savagely' killed by dogs, with countless more left with injuries, which took place overnight on January 31 at a farm in Overthorpe, Dewsbury. 

Caroline Newsome, wildlife and rural crime officer at West Yorkshire Police, said the ewes were just days away from giving birth.

"This is the reality," Ms Newsome added.

"Sadly, the farmer was carrying out her usual morning check on the flock, but was met with the sight of six dead and bloodied sheep, and others left with injuries they may or may not survive from.

"All six ewes of various breeds were only weeks away from giving birth, and one can only imagine the pain and terror these animals experienced, before their death.

"They were run ragged by a dog or dogs, their back ends ripped open and their throats savaged.

"If you have any information, please ring 101, quoting crime reference number 13250062624."

South Yorkshire Police

In the village of Wentworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire Police said two sheep were attacked by a large dog on February 5, with one of the sheep having sustained such 'severe' injuries that it had to be put to sleep.

The other sheep sustained significant wounds and is receiving care, according to police.

Gloucestershire Constabulary

Nine sheep were attacked and injured by a small bull terrier dog in the Gloucestershire village of Blakeney on February 12.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said the sheep could have died due to stress from the attack. 

In addition to the incident, officers confirmed they were investigating several other reports of livestock worrying in the Forest of Dean which had reportedly taken place in the Popes Hill and the Tibberton areas over the last month.

Gloucester sheep farmer Mary Wales, who was the victim of the attack, said she was disappointed that the dog owner has not yet come forward

"We are no closer to finding the dog that did this to our sheep," Ms Wales added.

"The picture is very mild in comparison to the full extent of the damage caused.

"There did not seem to be an owner around which means the dog probably escaped from home.

"This dog is dangerous and we will continue working with the police who provided an amazing response to our emergency until it is hopefully identified."

Plymouth

Sheep farmer Tom Clinnick, from Ivybridge in Plymouth, said a dog ripped off an ear of a pregnant ewe during an attack at his farm on February 13 at around 2pm.

Mr Clinnick was left distraught that the ewe, which was expecting twins, had died as a result of the incident.

"It [the sheep] has been chased and has had its ear bitten off and also two-thirds chunks of flesh from her rear," he added.

"These ewes are heavily in lamb and due to give birth next month.

"This is not one but three lives lost as she was in lamb with twins.

"My worry is there are another 130 sheep in that flock that have experienced and been chased before. This dog singled one out and attacked it.

"My concern over this is the potential loss of more lambs in the flock as ewes do not cope with stress very well at all in this situation and will more than likely abort their lambs.

"This is a very sad time.

"The potential loss of more lambs or the dog coming back to attack more not only hurts us in the hearts, but will have a massive financial impact later in the year.

"We tend to these animals with the utmost care."

Government action

Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Efra, said the Government backs the Private Members' Bill put forward by Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth, outlining measures to 'toughen' punishment for those that commit livestock worrying offences.

Ms Hayman said the Bill will modernise livestock worrying's definition in scope, strengthen police powers, and increase the maximum penalty from a fine of £1,000 to an unlimited fine.

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Advice

Gloucestershire Constabulary has offered the following advice to dog owners following recent incidents: 

• You must ensure a field or area has no livestock in it before letting your dog off lead. It is the law to keep your dog under control and the responsibility falls with the owner
• Always ensure your dog is under control in an area where there are livestock or wild animals
• Be particularly vigilant during lambing season and always keep dogs on a lead during this time
• If your dog is not good with other animals or people, avoid letting them off their lead when others are around
• Do not allow people who may not be confident in doing so or have full control over the animal to walk your dog
• Remember, where there may be no livestock in a field one day, the same location could be full of animals the next day
• Ultimately, a landowner by law, and as a last resort for protecting their livestock, is able to shoot a dog which they believe is worrying sheep. Police must be notified within 48 hours if this course of action is taken

Take the Lead

You can support Íæż½ã½ã's 'Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.

We can provide you with free signs to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.

To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Íæż½ã½ã, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.

We will be able to send up to 25 signs.

Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at [email protected].

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