GRAPHIC IMAGE: Warning to Sheffield dog owners after pets savage sheep

Police in the north west of the city said there had been an increase in the number of dog attacks on sheep in fields.

Officers say photos provided by a farmer whose sheep were maimed are too graphic to share, which is why we have used a stock police image to highlight the warning.

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PC Elizabeth Wilson, a rural and wildlife crime officer who is part of Sheffield North West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Over the recent months, we have seen an increase in incidents where sheep have either been injured or killed by dogs off the lead when walking through fields.

"Your dog can scare, harm or even kill sheep. Even if your dog doesn’t make contact with the sheep, the distress caused to a sheep being chased can cause them to miscarry their lambs and sometimes die from the shock and exhaustion as a result of the chase.

“If you think that your dog wouldn’t chase sheep DO NOT take the risk. We appreciate that on occasions sheep may be grazing in fields where there are public footpaths but following these simple rules can prevent the unnecessary injury or death of a sheep.”

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She issued the following advice to dog owners:

Always keep dogs on the lead when walking them in rural areas where sheep are kept

Be aware that even small lap dogs can attack and kill farm animals

Don’t let dogs loose in gardens adjoining livestock fields as many attacks are caused by dogs which escape and attack sheep grazing nearby

Report attacks by dogs and sighting of dogs roaming the countryside to local farmers of the police. (As a last resort a farmer is legally allowed to shoot a dog who is threatening their animals)

PC Wilson said that if your dog ‘worries’ sheep on agricultural land, you can be fined up to £1,000 under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

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She was unable to give details of where the recent attacks have taken place, how many sheep have been killed or injured, and whether anyone had been prosecuted.