Lamb killed during livestock worrying incident in Surrey
**CONTENT WARNING - INJURED LAMB PHOTO BELOW - USE AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION**
A lamb has been killed and several others injured following a livestock worrying incident in Surrey.
On Sunday afternoon (6 March) a landowner in Tadworth reported to police that their sheep had been attacked by a dog.
The incident is believed to have taken place between about 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
A two month old lamb died and five others were also injured.
What Is Livestock Worrying?
Livestock worrying is where a dog worries or attacks animals such as sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, goats and horses.
Livestock such as sheep are particularly sensitive, and often die from the shock of being worried or chased.
Even if a dog only barks at or chases an animal and doesn’t touch it, this is still livestock worrying and can be hugely traumatic for the animal involved.
Surrey Police said it is up to dog owners to control their pets:
"You are responsible for your dog’s actions.
"If your dog attacks an animal, you should try to find the owner and explain what has happened. Livestock are very valuable to a farmer, and the deaths that come from livestock worrying have a direct impact on their livelihood.
"As a last resort, farmers can shoot any dog worrying their livestock if it cannot be brought under control, so to keep your four-legged friend safe, always keep them on a lead when passing livestock.
"Even on a lead, dogs can still worry livestock, so please think about whether their behaviour is causing the animals around them distress.
"If you see a dog attacking farm animals, call 999. Do not intervene if you think that you might get injured, but please call police to report this crime instead."
If you saw or heard anything contact Surrey Police quoting PR/45220024646.
If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.