Six sheep die in Cumbria following dog attack

It is an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock (Stock photo)
It is an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock (Stock photo)

Police are investigating a report of sheep being worried by a dog on land in Cumbria.

The six sheep were injured during the incident near Barrow-in-Furness, and have all since died.

The incident is believed to have happened on Monday, 6 February 2017 during the afternoon or evening.

It is an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock and in some circumstances landowners have a defence in law to shoot dogs that are endangering their livestock.

Sheep worrying can be easily prevented by owner’s keeping their dogs on a lead.

The issue is particularly pertinent at this time of year, as lambing season approaches.

A dog does not have to physically attack livestock to cause harm – even chasing them can cause distress and easily cause a pregnant sheep to miscarry lambs.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to please contact 101 quoting log 81 of 9 February 2017.