Police urge dog on leads following sheep worrying incidents

Police are urging dog owners to ensure their pets are kept under control at all times after a rise in sheep worrying incidents.

Recently, a ewe and two lambs were killed in a field at Topcliffe, North Yorkshire.

It is believed the three sheep were attacked by dogs some time overnight on 31 July and 1 August.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Dog attacks on livestock result often in death or severe injury, and have a huge impact on farmers and their livelihoods.

“The message to owners is simple - keep your dog on a lead near livestock, even if they are in a separate field. Even the most mild-mannered dog can see sheep, especially lambs, as something to chase and kill.”

Two sheep were savaged to death by an out-of-control dog in a country park in Torquay last week.

Last week, it was announced that the National Trust has restricted access for dog walkers on fields near the ancient monument of Stonehenge due to an increasing number of attacks on sheep.

Anyone who has any information about the incident in Topcliffe is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number NYP-02082017-0087.