Reminder to dog owners following livestock worrying in the Forest of Dean

WARNING: This article contains images which some people may find distressing

Police are reminding dog owners to be responsible and keep their dogs on a lead while near animals following a number of incidents of livestock worrying.

The Force’s Rural Crime Team attended an incident in Blakeney yesterday morning (Wednesday 12 February) where several sheep had been attacked by a dog.

It was reported that a small black and tan coloured Bull Terrier sized dog had attacked sheep, seriously injuring nine of them. The stress and injuries caused to these animals could potentially result in fatalities.

In addition to this, the team have been investigating several other reports of livestock worrying in the Forest of Dean. These have taken place in the Popes Hill and the Tibberton areas.

Livestock worrying is a crime and can include dogs attacking animals physically, running after them/chasing the sheep around, especially when they are carrying lambs or there are young lambs within the flock. Dog faeces left on grazing land may also carry disease which can kill sheep and affect unborn lambs.

Officers are asking anyone with information on yesterday morning’s incident or who knows the owner of the Bull Terrier to make contact.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 69 of 12 February: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Last year, the Rural Crime Team took part in Operation Recall which aims to protect livestock by encouraging dog owners using the countryside to behave in a responsible manner.

When walking dogs in rural areas, dog owners are advised about the following: 

• You must ensure a field or area has no livestock in it before letting your dog off lead. It is the law to keep your dog under control and the responsibility falls with the owner.
• Always ensure your dog is under control in an area where there are livestock or wild animals.
• Be particularly vigilant during lambing season and always keep dogs on a lead during this time.
• If your dog is not good with other animals or people, avoid letting them off their lead when others are around.
• Don't allow people who may not be confident in doing so or have full control over the animal to walk your dog.
• Remember where there may be no livestock in a field one day, the same location could be full of animals the next.
• Ultimately a landowner by law, and as a last resort for protecting their livestock, is able to shoot a dog which they believe is worrying sheep. Police must be notified within 48 hours if this course of action is taken.