Three sheep have been savaged to death by what the police think was an out of control dog in a field near Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Cheshire police said early indications show that they were attacked by a large dog in the village of Sutton.
The owner of the flock has been left distraught after finding the sheep dead in a field near Nabbs Road on Saturday morning (2 September).
One of the sheep had been pulled violently across the field by its rump and had its neck cut. A second had its leg broken and suffered numerous puncture wounds. A third died from exhaustion.
PC Richard Walker of Macclesfield Police said the incident is "shocking".
“This shocking incident led to injuries and death of three sheep which is not only costly for the owner but distressing for both her and her animals.
“While the dreadful injuries were the result of what appears to have been a large dog, it give us the opportunity to remind owners of dogs of all sizes that canines need to be on a lead if they are going through a field with sheep.”
'Horrific injuries'
PC Walker continued: “Even a small happy dog, with a penchant for chasing anything that moves but may not be able to cause such horrific injuries, can still cause distress which could lead to the death of a sheep.
“It’s also worth bearing in mind that your family pet risks being shot if caught in the act and the sheep are clearly distressed.
“It’s far better to be safe than sorry by keeping the dog on a lead when you’re walking through a field containing a flock. We want everyone to enjoy the Cheshire countryside, but recognise the responsibility we all have to keep all animals safe.
“We are currently investigating the Sutton incident, which is an offence under the Dogs Act 1953, Protection of Livestock, and are keen to speak to anyone with information so we can find the animal and owner responsible.”
Anyone with information about the sheep worrying in Sutton should call PC Richard Walker on 101 quoting incident number 934 of 2 September 2017.
