Two sheep that survived a recent dog attack in Ringstead, Dorset have been left with no ears, Dorset Police Rural Crime Team have said.
Two other sheep were found dead as a result of the attack, which is thought to have taken place between 10:00a.m and 12:00p.m on August 27, on land near to the main car park in Ringstead.
Police are investigating the incident and are asking anybody with information to come forward.
“We are carrying out enquiries into this incident, which has resulted in the farmer seeing two of his animals killed and another two sheep left with nasty injuries,” Mike Sinnick from the rural crime team said.
“The area around the Ringstead car park would have been busy at the time of this incident on a Bank Holiday Saturday and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed anything to please come forward.”
Sheep worrying is a crime. Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police online, or by calling 101 quoting occurrence number; 55220143693. Alternatively, anonymous information can be given via Crimestoppers online or by freephoning; 0800 555 111.
“We fully appreciate the impact attacks of this nature have on our farming communities,” Sinnick added.
“This incident serves as another sad reminder to dog owners of the importance of ensuring your dog is on a lead whenever it is near livestock.”
Sheep worrying
The average financial loss, per farmer per year, due to a sheep worrying incident is £1,2322, according to the National Sheep Association’s (NSA’s) 2022 Sheep Worrying by Dogs Survey.
On top of the financial costs, the survey showed that farmers reported feelings of anger, anxiety, upset, stress and frustration as a result of sheep worrying by dogs attacks, with most recognising this was adversely affecting their mental health.
While 81% of survey respondents said they report some, most or all of the attacks they experience, police response to reports was rated a 6/10.
