Lincolnshire Police has appealed for information following a dog attack on sheep, which has left 34 pregnant ewes dead in the aftermath.
Officers stated that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, March 13 inside a field to the west of Haugham Road, near Tathwell.
During the incident, a total of four sheep were killed at the scene, with another 30 dying later as a result of shock and injuries sustained during the attack.
Police noted that this attack was particularly “devastating” as all of the ewes were pregnant at the time, “significantly increasing both the animal welfare impact and the financial loss to the farmer.”
The farmer estimated the financial loss from the attack to be between £10,000 and £15,000.
Investigation
Police were able to conclude that at least one dog was involved in the attack based on the evidence at the scene, such as the nature of the injuries to the deceased animals.
Detective Constable Aaron Flint highlighted that incidents like these are “devastating for farmers, both emotionally and financially”.
“Livestock worrying is a serious offence, and dog owners must take responsibility for ensuring their animals are properly controlled at all times.
“Even a normally well-behaved dog can instinctively chase or attack livestock if given the opportunity,” Flint said.
Lincolnshire Police has requested to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time and seen the incident.
Officers have urged anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 and quoting the occurrence number 26000160007.
Livestock worrying
Detective Flint noted that the recent changes in legislation have strengthened police powers and increased penalties for livestock worrying, which came into effect last Wednesday (March 18).
He added: “The law now makes clear that a dog does not need to physically injure animals to commit an offence – chasing or causing distress to livestock is sufficient.
“Courts can impose unlimited fines, and police have enhanced powers to seize dogs and gather evidence.
“Dog owners are reminded that they are responsible for keeping their animals under control at all times, particularly around livestock.”
