A DOG attack in the countryside has left lambs seriously injured – as Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner urges owners to keep pets on leads.
Ellie Vesey-Thompson visited a farm in Dorking this month with officers from Surrey Police’s Rural Crime Team.
During the visit, the farmer showed her lambs which had been badly hurt in an attack days before. One had been bitten to the face, and its top lip torn away.
The same farmer has previously lost almost 30 sheep in a single dog attack.
Livestock worrying, an offence in the UK, includes barking, chasing, biting and killing.
The crime causes huge distress and financial loss in the farming community.
Even if a dog doesn’t catch a sheep, serious damage can be caused, with the stress causing some of the animals to die or ewes to miscarry lambs.
Sheep fleeing from dogs can also be killed or seriously injured during panicked attempts to escape.
“Keep dogs on a lead”
Ellie said: “Surrey is home to many responsible dog-owners who deeply cherish their pets.
“But even the most trusted of dogs can behave in surprising or shocking ways.
“The only way to be sure that a dog won’t chase farm animals is to keep them on a lead at all times.
“The weather in recent weeks has been beautiful, and many of us will be enjoying walks in Surrey’s lovely countryside.
“But while the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and thoughtful while walking their pets, in some cases, complacency has led to appalling incidents.
Lambs attacked
“During my visit to Dorking, I saw lambs that had been seriously hurt in a dog attack. One had suffered horrific injuries to its face, losing its top lip.
“While I’m pleased that lamb is recovering well, others that were more seriously hurt remain critically unwell, and, despite excellent care and treatment, sadly may not recover.
“The same farmer has previously lost almost 30 sheep to a single dog attack. This is an absolutely horrific incident that could so easily have been prevented by the simple action of putting a dog on a lead.
“It can be hard for people to even imagine that a beloved family pet could chase, injure, or even kill another animal.
“Traumatising”
“But all dogs are capable of this, regardless of their breed or size.
“Even if a dog doesn’t make contact with an animal, the distress and exhaustion from being chased can still lead to deaths.
“Livestock attacks are traumatising and can be devastating, for the livestock, for the farmer, and for the dog owner too.
“There’s one very simple way to make sure incidents like these never happen, and that’s to put dogs on a lead.
Act responsibly
“This spring and summer, please make sure you’re acting responsibly to keep your dog and all livestock safe.”
A spokesperson for the National Sheep Association (NSA) said: “To ensure both livestock and dogs are kept safe from injury or even worse, NSA urges dog owners to keep their pets on a lead whenever you suspect sheep could be grazing nearby.
“It is also important to ensure your dogs are secure in your home or garden.
“Dogs straying from their own homes is another common cause of devastating sheep worrying attacks, potentially leading to sheep prolonged suffering until the impact of the incident is discovered.”