A dog attacked nine sheep in the Forest of Dean, leaving them seriously injured. Police are seeking the dog’s owner.
The dog was small, black and tan, and looked like a bull terrier. Some sheep might have to be put down. The dog’s owner is being searched for.
There’s been other livestock worrying near Popes Hill and Tibberton. Police want dogs on leads near animals. It’s vital now.
Livestock worrying is actually a crime. It includes chasing or attacking animals. Even dog poop can cause problems, as it can spread disease and kill sheep.
If you know about the attack, tell the police. You can report it online, quoting incident 69 from February 12th. They want information about the dog’s owner.
Last year, there was an operation aimed to protect farm animals and encourage responsible dog behavior. Here’s some advice for dog owners:
First, make sure there are no animals around. The law says your dog must be controlled; control is your responsibility. Keep your dog controlled near animals, and be extra careful during lambing season.
If your dog isn’t good with animals, use a lead. Only let confident people walk your dog. Fields can change quickly, potentially having animals later. Landowners can shoot dogs worrying sheep, but they must tell police within 48 hours.