Elderly farmer bitten on face by dog as he intervened in sheep worrying incident

Sheep worrying is an ongoing issue around the UK countryside (Stock photo)
Sheep worrying is an ongoing issue around the UK countryside (Stock photo)

A farmer has had his face bitten by a dog as another dog chased after his sheep on a farm in Sussex.

The elderly farmer, aged 82, sustained a severe facial wound which required hospital treatment.

He was attempting to save his sheep from a dog attack at his farm in Nutley, but was stopped when another dog leapt to his face and bit it.

Both dogs are described as being completely black, and similar in build to a Labrador or a Collie, with fluffy tails.

The dogs are believed to have been together, though neither was wearing a collar or tags. There was no sign of an owner nearby.

Sergeant Gareth Jackson, of the Surrey and Sussex Police Dog Unit, said: “Unfortunately sheep worrying is an ongoing issue and it’s important to realise that it is an offence.

“Pet owners need to be aware that if their dogs are out of control, or seen attacking or worrying livestock, then the farmer has the right to shoot the dog under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.”

If you can help us identify these dogs, or have any information about the incident, please report it online or call 101 quoting serial 1229 of 09/10.