Another dog attack on sheep in Wiltshire
Two sheep have been attacked near Mere
Last updated 3rd Feb 2021
Wiltshire Police have issed a stern warning for dog owners to keep their pets on a lead.
It follows a third sheep attack in the Warminster and Mere area in the last fortnight.
The latest incident happened on Saturday 23rd January afternoon between 1pm and 4pm at Whitesheet Hill at Kilmington.
One sheep was discovered injured and another found to have been attacked two days earlier.
The force say while the farmer was tending to the injured animals a dog walker approached with his dog off the lead.
The man then became upset after the farmer asked him to place his dog on a lead.
PCSO Candida Jackson said:
"This is the third sheep attack we have had in the past two weekends in our area."
"Dog owners are reminded to keep their animals on a lead in the countryside. If you need to walk your dog off the lead please choose an area wisely, where you will not encounter farm animals. There are many places more appropriate to do this."
"Attacks of this kind appear to be getting more frequent; they not only effect the animals but the farmers who have to deal with the aftermath of having to treat, or in some cases, losing an animal.
"Sheep worrying and dog attacks on sheep are crimes and can result in large vet bills for the farmer and dog owners may be liable for compensation for any damage to the sheep.
"Please be mindful when out walking your dog in the countryside."
Anyone with information about this dog attack should call 101 quoting crime reference number 54210007372.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111