Wiltshire Police is urging dog owners to keep their pets under control after ewes worth more than £3,200 were killed in two sheep-worrying attacks.

The warning follows the death of 17 sheep during this year's lambing season so far. The deaths occured across two reported dog attacks on pregnant ewes and lambs.

In the first attack on January 20, between 12 noon and 5pm, a dog attacked two sheep in the Warminster area, killing them and causing the flock to run in fear, resulting in the death of a further 14 sheep from crush injuries.  

The 16 sheep each had an estimated value £200, makiing a total financial loss of £3,200 to the farmer who owned them. No arrests were made.

In the second incident, at about 2pm on February 8, a dog attacked and killed a sheep and worried the rest of the flock in a field in the Castle Coombe area. Again, no arrests were made.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “The lambing season has started and we have already had dog attacks on sheep and lambs.

“Two ewes have been killed near Warminster and 14 others were killed after being crushed by other fleeing sheep. A sheep has also been killed in the Castle Combe area."

“Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and is something which can not only have a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of the animal but also financially to the owner.

“Please keep your dogs on a lead especially when around livestock or in an area you are not familiar with in case there is livestock nearby.”

Livestock worrying occurs when dogs chase animals, injure and/or kill them.

If your dog attacks livestock you could end up being responsible for offences including criminal damage, livestock worrying and potential prosecution for offences under the Dangerous Dog Act.

The Countryside Code says:

The countryside, parks and the coast are great places to exercise your dog but you need to consider other users and wildlife.

Keep your dog under effective control to make sure it stays away from wildlife, livestock, horses and other people unless invited.

You should:

  • always keep your dog on a lead or in sight
  • be confident your dog will return on command
  • make sure your dog does not stray from the path or area where you have right of access

Always check local signs as there are situations when you must keep your dog on a lead for all or part of the year. Local areas may also ban dogs completely, except for assistance dogs. Signs will tell you about these local restrictions.

It is good practice wherever you are to keep your dog on a lead around livestock.

On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your dog on a lead around livestock. Between March 1 and July 31, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land. These are legal requirements.

A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. They may not be liable to compensate the dog’s owner.

Let your dog off the lead if you feel threatened by livestock or horses. Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog. Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety.