Warning to dog walkers after lamb killed in Eastbourne
Owners are reminded to keep pets on leads over the Bank Holiday weekend
Police are warning dog owners to control their pets near livestock after a lamb was killed in a field in Eastbourne.
An unknown dog got into a field containing newly-weaned lambs near Butts Brow on Tuesday (August 24th), injuring one so badly it had to be euthanised.
Sussex Police has issued a reminder to those taking their pets out over the Bank Holiday weekend to know where their animals are at all times.
They are also urging people to only let dogs off the lead if they are confident there is no livestock nearby and if their animals will return to them promptly on command.
Sergeant Fiona Munro of Sussex Police said:
"It is the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure that they control their dog on agricultural land.
“The problem is that many people believe their dog isn’t capable of such acts of violence and often dog attacks initially start as fun.
“Dogs that are unfamiliar with livestock get excited and noisy, causing sheep to become frightened and panicked with catastrophic outcomes.
“In addition to the human distress and animal suffering that is caused, a landowner can legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock and seek compensation from the person responsible for the animal, so please don't take the risk and keep your dog on a lead if in doubt.”
The matter remains under investigation and police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any other information.
Members of the public can report online or by calling 101 quoting serial 47210145553.