Sheep attacked and chased by dogs

Clyadon was arrested by Essex Police for breaching the order Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Suffolk Constabulary were called to two incidents in West Suffolk where sheep were attacked and chased by dogs, leaving one with serious injuries.

The attacks have prompted officers to remind owners that farmers are legally able to shoot any dogs attacking livestock.

Dogs owners are liable to keep their pets on the lead when they pass livestock or other wildlife like swans and are responsible for any injuries they may inflict.

Sergeant Brian Calver, from Suffolk police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “Despite repeated appeals, attacks on sheep and livestock by dogs continue to happen across our county.

“We recognise that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and take appropriate action to keep their pets under control around livestock.

“Farmers have a right to shoot any dogs that are attacking livestock and nobody wants to see this happen.

“I would remind dog owners or those walking dogs that they are responsible for any damage that the dog in their care may commit.”

His comments follow the discovery of two injured sheep who were attacked by dogs in West Suffolk.

On Monday, January 7, a sheep was found seriously injured in its pen, near to Powney Street, Milden after it was attacked by a dog.

Earlier that day, sometime between 6am an 10am, another sheep was found injured near to Waldingfield aerodrome.

Police say that it was trying to make its way through an electric fence to escape from a dog.

Earlier this week, owners were told to keep their dogs under control after swans were harassed and attacked in Sudbury.

Roy Spicer, a volunteer for Swanwatch, said he saw two dogs harass and chase a swan near the Mill Hotel on Monday, January 14.

Two swans have been killed by dogs in the beauty spot over the last three years but Mr Spicer claims attacks there are still a weekly occurrence.