Wiltshire Police’s rural crime team is appealing for information after two instances of sheep worrying in Bowerchalke.
The incidences occurred on November 6 and 7 and saw a lamb killed and more sheep attacked in the same field at Middle Chase Farm.
Wiltshire rural crime team is asking members of the public for any information they have on the sheep worrying instances.
The team said on Monday, November 6, Middle Chase Farm’s manager found all sheep in fields pushed up tight in the corners in a state of high alert.
“One ewe with an existing udder injury had clearly been chased extensively as she had blood all over her hindquarters from the udder,” the team said.
“On Tuesday, November 7, a farm worker found a dead lamb which had been mauled to death by what would appear to have been a dog.
“This also has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.”
The rural crime team has appealed for anybody who was in the Bowechalke area on either dates and who saw a dog with blood on its muzzle to contact it.
In August, a rural crime report from the insurance branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU Mutual) revealed that UK farm animals worth an estimated £1.8 million were killed or injured by dogs in 2022.
Rural business policy advisor at NFU Scotland, Rhianna Montgomery, said spring of this year saw a “constant stream of reports of cattle and sheep being attacked by dogs”.
“Alongside livestock attacks by dogs, any incidents of rustling will inflict significant suffering on farmers and crofters who have lost stock.
“Vigilance is key. In any case of rustling, trailers and lorries will be involved and we continue to encourage anyone who notices a strange vehicle in an unusual place to report the registration number and any details to 101 and allow Police Scotland to take the matter further.”
