North Yorkshire Police issues warning after dog attacks sheep
North Yorkshire Police has issued a warning to dog owners after a sheep had to be put down following a dog attack.
Officers are now urging all dog owners to keep their pets on leads and under close control near sheep and other livestock.
The warning comes after an attack at a popular dog-walking area near Northallerton.
On Saturday May 16 at about 10am, a sheep was attacked by a red setter-type dog near Cod Beck Reservoir in Osmotherley.
During the incident, a member of the public intervened and had to pull the sheep away from the dog in order to prevent further injury.
Sadly, as a result of the attack, the sheep sustained significant injuries. Due to the severity of those injuries, it had to be euthanised.
The same day, a second sheep was also found with serious injuries.
Photographs of the injuries are too distressing to show.
The location is known to be a popular area for dog walking, and it is not the first time that a similar incident has occurred in the area.
Livestock attacks cause considerable suffering to animals, in addition to significant distress to their owners.
A police spokesperson said: “We are appealing to members of the public for any information relating to this incident.
“Anyone who witnessed the attack, or who may have information about the dog or its owner, is asked to come forward.
“Any information can be reported by calling North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quoting incident number 12260088842.
“Alternatively, email [email protected] - or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or their website.”
Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners of the importance of keeping their dogs under close control and on a lead when in the vicinity of livestock, in order to prevent further incidents of this nature.
"It is a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock. This includes attacking livestock, chasing livestock in a way that may cause injury or suffering, or being at large in a field where livestock are present.
“Dog owners can be prosecuted if their dog is found to be responsible for such behaviour."