Police issue pet owner warning after three dogs shot in 'shocking scenes'

31 December 2023 , 12:04

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Laughing female dog walker walking with group of dogs through field at dog park (Image: Getty Images)

Three dogs have been shot after a series of reported incidents involving sheep being savaged, police say. It has led to a warning to pet owners to keep their dogs on a lead when walking them near livestock.

The dogs were shot in the past month after 25 sheep were killed in four separate incidents. Police in Cheshire have described "shocking scenes".

They are now urging pet owners to think twice before allowing their animals to run free in a rural environment. It comes after a series of incidents involving dogs and livestock across the country.

In September it was reported that two XL bully dogs killed 22 pregnant sheep in savage attack after escaping from their home in Wales. There were also reports of lambs being killed by a dog in Scotland earlier this year.

PC Jim Clark, of Cheshire Police, said: “It is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call. If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing sheep. Dogs should only be released from a lead if walkers are followed or chased by cattle.

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“It’s better to be safe than sorry by using your lead to control your dog. This should avoid not only the devastation and financial cost to the farmer who has lost his or her sheep, but the trauma to the dog owner from their dog’s actions, and the thought it could have been shot to prevent further devastation.

“I’d simply urge owners - no matter how reliable you think your dogs are - keep dogs on a lead near livestock. We want everyone to enjoy the countryside safely and responsibly- take a look at the countryside code to see how you can do your bit,” reports the Echo.

To find out more about how to keep you, your pet and farm animals safe visit the Countryside Code

Abigail Nicholson