Almost 30 pregnant sheep were killed in a suspected dog attack which took place in Teynham, near Sittingbourne in Kent between Christmas day and Boxing day.
It was reported that barking was heard on Deerton street between 4:00p.m and 5:00pm on Christmas day, however, it wasn’t until 1:00p.m the following afternoon that the 27 dead ewes were discovered.
In a statement, PC Marc Pennicott of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force said the incident was “very distressing” and that it is “possibly the worst livestock attack we have ever had”.
“The sheep would have been petrified and had no way of escaping. [Some] were pregnant with twins or triplets.
“We believe they may have been attacked by one dog but cannot rule out that more dogs may have also been responsible,” he added.
Pennicott also pointed out the financial losses suffered by the farmer and the concern amongst surrounding rural communities that other flocks may also be attacked.
Because of this, the PC said it is “extremely important” that the animals responsible and their owners are found, so that other livestock do not remain vulnerable.
“These dogs would have been covered in mud and returned home exhausted and we are committed to identifying their owners,” he said.
Recent sheep attacks
Sheep attacks and livestock worrying incidents are becoming a growing issue right across the UK and in Ireland, with many calls issued for tighter regulations around dog ownership and responsibility.
Additionally, sheep and lamb thefts have become a serious problem. Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s rural crime team recently urged flock owners to be vigilant and stated that almost 25 thefts had been reported in the previous weeks.
The team stated that one incident saw numerous animals killed in fields before their skins were left behind. PC Scott Giles urged farmers to keep a close eye on their stock numbers.
“We’re urging farmers, and members of the public including hikers and dog walkers, to be extra vigilant of any unusual activity, be it people or vehicles in their local areas, and contact police with any suspicious behaviour.
“We would also like to hear from anyone being offered cheap or unpackaged meat,” he said.
