Police are encouraging livestock owners to take additional steps to secure gateways and fields where possible
Police are searching for the owner of a dog believed to be involved in a spate of sheep attacks across Mid Devon that have left at least 35 animals dead and dozens more seriously injured.
Nine reports of sheep worrying and attacks have been recorded in recent weeks around Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton and Stockleigh English, causing substantial losses for affected farms.
The latest incidents happened overnight between 18 and 19 September.
A Valais ewe was killed and another injured in the Poughill area, while six lambs were killed and 20 more seriously injured on land near Pennymoor.
Another sheep was killed and several others were injured near Cheriton Fitzpaine between 17 and 18 September.
Earlier attacks in the same area between 1 and 3 September caused an estimated £15,000 in losses and injuries to livestock, according to police.
Further incidents have also been reported around Cheriton Fitzpaine and Stockleigh English.
Officers are now trying to trace a distinctive Blue Merle Collie cross-type dog seen in areas where attacks have been reported.
Police describe the dog as having a brown muzzle, blue and brown colouring across its head and black markings on its back. It is also said to appear nervous and move quickly.
Rural Affairs Officer PC Lucy Wyatt said the owner may not realise the dog is getting out during the night.
“We appreciate that the owner may be completely unaware that their dog is leaving home during the evening or overnight, and we are keen to identify them as soon as possible,” she said.
“These incidents have been extremely distressing for the farmers affected and have resulted in significant losses to their livestock.”
The attacks have also left surviving sheep and lambs with serious injuries, adding to the welfare and financial impact on the farms involved.
PC Wyatt said the dog had been seen in areas where sheep were later found injured or killed.
“The dog is quite distinctive and has been seen in the areas where sheep have been found injured or killed. It appears to be nervous and moves very quickly.”
Police are asking anyone who recognises the description, or who has seen a Blue Merle Collie-type dog roaming loose in the area, to come forward.
Livestock owners are also being encouraged to take extra precautions by checking and securing gateways and fields where possible.
Officers want to hear from any other farmers or livestock keepers whose sheep may have been attacked in the area.
“We would ask anyone who recognises the description of the dog, or who has seen a Blue Merle Collie type dog roaming loose in the area, to please get in touch with us,” PC Wyatt said.
Information can be reported to Devon and Cornwall Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference 50260250003.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online or by calling 0800 555111.